Ask business owners and they will generally tell you that it is too expensive to own business software.
This is no longer true.
In 2008, S W Business Solutions, LLC. was asked to perform a make-or-buy analysis for Event Planning software. Specifications were drawn up by the client and research was performed. There was only one piece of commercial software available that met most of the specifications. This software package (on sale) had a 5-year cost of ownership price of $77,001. We were able to estimate the project for a lifetime cost of $38,000.
The above price did not include the cost of the computer network that was needed to run the software since both packages were client-server based.
This was back in the days of client-server, expensive in-house computer networks. Today, the above price of software is greatly reduced; both for development and for hosting the software package in the Cloud.
S W Business Solutions, LLC has recently completed several packages for the environmental engineering and handyman communities for roughly $14,000. However, less complex system can be developed for as little as $3,000.
The temptation is to buy a commercial package for “only” $150 per month with “only” per seat licensing of $75 per month (for instance). This sounds great. However, doing the math, the annual cost without the per seat licensing is $1,800! For 5-years, that is $9,000. This cost is on-going forever.
Couple this with the fact that you can not have your own custom changes made how, and when, you wish. makes custom development affordable and the best option.
S W Business Solutions, LLC offers distributed payment plan where an initial payment of $1,000 to $2,000 is made and then the client pays a monthly fee until the total development fee is paid. Yet another reason to choose custom development.