One of the first questions asked is "How much will custom software cost?"


While an exact dollar figure is difficult to nail down until we have an opportunity to meet and discuss your business, processes, and challenges you would like to address, wouldn’t a better question be, “How much is a commercial off the shelf software solution going to cost me?” or what about “How much will it cost me if I don’t go with a custom software solution?”

To put things into perspective, here are just some of the issues, costs, and benefits of a custom off the shelf software (COTS) application, vs. a custom-built solution.

Factors Related to the Cost of a Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) Product:

  • COTS products generally require the purchase of one license from the manufacturer for each user accessing the system

  • Obtaining the Server and network infrastructure necessary to operate COTS products can be very costly and time consuming. (i.e. purchase, setup and installation of new application servers)

  • Third party vendors may require Client Access licenses for each employee accessing the system. (i.e. Microsoft SQL Server per-user licensing)

  • You will never actually “own” your software - you are leasing it. The COTS vendor maintains ownership of the software and licenses it to you

  • Additional software modules are often required with COTS products, which then have to be tailored to your business processes. Not only is this costly and time consuming, but you may also experience that the system is still unable to do what you need it to and your employees and / or clients rebel against the system you just invested thousands in

  • Implementation and integration with current internal systems

  • In-depth employee training, both initial and ongoing

  • Continual product technical support, to include yearly maintenance and support and upgrade protection. This is often mandatory, with future “penalties” and other considerations if not renewed each year, regardless of need