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Is custom software development worth it for small businesses?

Software development investments will be on the minds of many small businesses. In launching and growing any business, software will be an essential element. It can often be the factor that determines whether a business succeeds or fails. 

For small businesses, the decision can be made more tricky with considerations such as budget, team limitations, time frames, and capacity. Many large businesses and corporations will either have in-house software development teams or they will have big budgets ready to throw at complex outsourcing projects. 

Before they invest a penny, most small businesses will be wondering whether custom software development will be worth it for them, or whether they should simply opt for a pre-packaged software option that is ready to go. 

So, let’s explore that question further and give you our thoughts on the matter.

What is custom software development?

Before we go any further, let’s quickly clarify what custom software development means. 

It’s very simple. Custom software development is simply the process by which a software development company or team develops a unique and bespoke piece of software for a business. This software could be anything from an app to Saas. The software is specifically designed for that one business’s needs and requirements and is licensed only for their use. For many small businesses, the software built in custom software development will often be an eCommerce platform or their main website. 

Custom software development comes in direct comparison to using and buying pre-packaged and mass-produced software options. Small businesses may start off paying for a WordPress or Shopify site or server, for example. While these may be good starting points, many small businesses will feel that they outgrow these services and need to advance their business via custom software developed uniquely for them by a software development company. 

What advantages does custom software have for small businesses? 

There are quite a few advantages of custom software development for small businesses, including (but not limited to): 

Scalability: Custom software can be scaled up or down at any point. Starting a small business can be quite unpredictable and you don’t want to start off with a software package too big or too small. Having something that can be consistently scaled to your own growth and progress can be very worthwhile. 

Control and input: As a small business owner, you will have already worked hard to get to where you are now. In implementing new software in your business, you won’t want to lose your sense of control or input in this project. With custom software development, you will be able to make your own decisions and keep your own vision. Working with a software development company allows you to work collaboratively with the real people making your software. Rather than simply buying something that is designed to be useful for a wide range of customers.

Increased security: People who hack sites and steal information are far more familiar with software that already exists on the market. For hackers, pre-packaged software is like a map of your information. Working with custom software development for small businesses instead can help you protect your business in an entirely new way. The software development company you work with can help you build an app, site or server in a way that offers you the exact protection you need, leaving you with peace of mind to do business. 

Specific match of requirement: Possibly the main advantage of custom software development for small businesses is the fact that whatever is created for your business can be an exact match of what you want and need, right down to the features and design you want to see. With off-the-shelf software, you get what you get. It won’t be fine-tuned or specific to you in any way. With bespoke software, you can get something tailored neatly to you and your requirements. 

6B: creating custom software that counts

If you are a small business looking to transform your business via software, talk to us at 6B.

We are an experienced and committed software development company that helps a wide range of businesses implement the software they need and want. We listen to your requirements and vision to make sure our products are a winning match.

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