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Custom Software vs Off-the-Shelf Which is Better?

Should you buy ready-made software or build your own? We weigh the pros, cons, and costs for Ugandan businesses.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Off-the-Shelf (SaaS)
  3. Custom Software
  4. The Verdict
  5. Summary & Key Takeaways
  6. Common FAQs

When your business outgrows Excel sheets, you face a dilemma: Do you buy a ready-made solution (Off-the-Shelf) or build a system specifically for your needs (Custom Software)?

There is no "right" answer, only the right answer for your stage of growth.

Software Planning Layout

Off-the-Shelf (SaaS)

Think of this like buying a suit from a store. It's ready to wear, but it might not fit perfectly.

  • Examples: QuickBooks, Salesforce, Shopify.
  • Pros:
    • Immediacy: You can start using it today.
    • Cost: Low initial monthly fee ($10 - $50/month).
    • Support: Updates are handled by the vendor.
  • Cons:
    • Rigid: You have to change your business processes to fit the software.
    • Subscription Fatigue: Recurring costs add up over years.
    • Feature Bloat: You pay for 100 features but only use 5.

Custom Software

Think of this like a tailored suit. It takes time to make, but it fits you perfectly.

  • Examples: A custom school management system, a specialized delivery app for boda-bodas.
  • Pros:
    • Perfect Fit: Built exactly for your workflow. if you need a specific report, we build it.
    • Ownership: You own the code. No monthly licensing fees forever.
    • Competitive Advantage: Your software does things your competitors' software can't.
  • Cons:
    • Upfront Cost: Higher initial investment (Millions of UGX).
    • Time: Takes 2-6 months to build.

Code Development Screen

The Verdict

  • Choose Off-the-Shelf if you are a startup or have standard processes (e.g., standard accounting).
  • Choose Custom Software if your business has unique workflows, compliance needs, or if you want to sell the technology as a product.

Summary & Key Takeaways

  • Startups: Buy SaaS to move fast.
  • Enterprises: Build Custom to scale and own the IP.
  • Cost: Custom has high upfront cost but low long-term cost.

Common FAQs

1. Is custom software expensive? It is an investment. Expect to pay for the expertise required to build a system from scratch.

2. Do I own the code? At Desishub, yes. We transfer full Intellectual Property (IP) rights to you upon completion.

3. Who maintains custom software? We offer maintenance packages, or you can hire an in-house developer to manage it.

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At Desishub, we build custom software that becomes an asset, not an expense.

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