Comparison
Build custom software or buy an off-the-shelf tool?
Buying an existing tool is faster to start but bends you to its limits and subscriptions. Building custom costs more upfront and delivers a tool that fits your process exactly, without a per-seat cost that explodes at scale.
Buying an existing tool is faster to start but bends you to its limits and subscriptions. Building custom costs more upfront and delivers a tool that fits your process exactly, without a per-seat cost that explodes at scale.
Criterion
Custom (Build)
Off-the-shelf (Buy)
Time to start
Custom (Build)A few weeks
Off-the-shelf (Buy)Immediate
Fit to your process
Custom (Build)Exact
Off-the-shelf (Buy)Approximate
Cost at scale
Custom (Build)Controlled
Off-the-shelf (Buy)Per-user subscription
Ownership
Custom (Build)You own the code
Off-the-shelf (Buy)You rent access
Extensibility
Custom (Build)Unlimited
Off-the-shelf (Buy)Bounded by the vendor
The verdict
Buy for a standard, non-strategic need. Build the moment the tool becomes a competitive advantage.
Unsure which approach is right?
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