Key Considerations for Addressing the "Build vs. Buy" Dilemma for IT Needs

Key Considerations for Addressing the “Build vs. Buy” Dilemma for IT Needs

If you want perfection, and wish to do something right, then DO IT YOURSELF!

A phrase commonly used by one and all, is a crucial decision making point in a software vendor’s life.

Whether to BUY a software, or BUILD it?

Most of the time software companies have the capability and the resources to build the tool, that would make work easier, but the question still lingers on should they take the effort to build it, or buy it, considering the fact that there are already ample project works lying on their desks, that need to be cleared.

Here are a few points talking in favour of each of the option, that will give you a fair chance to decide which way to go.

The Build Way

Master the Domain

Buying a software makes you dependent on the third party developers. However, when you build something yourself, you are well aware of all its nitty gritty.

This means that in future if any type of problem occurs with the build in application, you have the ability as well as the resource to effectively resolve the issue, without having to rely on others to come and do the job for you.

A Safe Bet – IP Protection

Having your team build an application to support your ongoing project will also limit the access of your internal information. When you build a software, it is automatically copyrighted, as it is your company’s personal property, thus helping you to protect IP.

Custom Software Development

When you custom develop a software, you also have the power to engrave its features, a benefit that off-the-shelf software can never provide. Moreover, in today’s competitive world, being unique will help you get ahead in the game.
A custom developed software is empowered to address your internal need, the cost of which is offset by its promise of increased efficiency.

The Buy Way

Saves Time

A project always comes with a timeline, hence the first question that you should be asking your when faced with this dilemma is – by when do you need the software?

A third party software like QuickBook that takes care of multiple tasks such as invoicing, accounts payable, inventory and more, is easy to integrate, and the entire process can be wrapped up in minutes, as compared to building the software where time estimation is usually ambiguous.

Cost Effective

It is easy to estimate the cost, as you know how much it will take to buy the software from a third party. Maybe the prices are fixed, or might even be variable, based on the number of monthly usage, either way when buying a software, the cost analysis is very much transparent. Software like SalesForce, Dropbox etc., can be easily assessed online via subscription, and there is no need to buy them, or install them in individual systems.

Much against building a software, wherein pricing is rarely predictable. As you start building, you realise the project has all the potential to improve, and that means incurring more cost.

SLA and Governance

Buying a software from a third party makes it easier sometimes to pass-on SLAs and underlying penalties for system up-time. Governance of the software such as offer support-levels, checking on the quality of service and related performance metrics are all taken care by the third party.

Conclusion

Not only these but there are many other aspects to consider, while concluding on whether to build the software or buy it.

However before taking any concrete step it is better to have an elaborate report drawn.

Buying a software frees a company to utilize its resources in more crucial tasks. In scenarios like these, having a firm like KISL Technology who is ready to offer customised software development services will automate and simplify the business process, and to a greater extent resolve the dilemma.

You can have a software fitted to your requirement, and have an expert do the job for you, and all you would have to do is integrate it.