It is perhaps no longer a question for anyone whether digitization can be avoided: it has been advancing unstoppably for decades. It is becoming unavoidable in more and more areas of private and corporate life.

There are companies that recognize the potential inherent in digitization. A well-chosen and properly used application makes the operation more efficient, error-free, fast, searchable, and automatable.
Those who do not start digitalization of their own accord are forced to do so by business partners or legal regulations. Today, even a one-person business cannot be taken very seriously if it only accepts cash, keeps its accounts on the pages of a checkered notebook, or has no Internet access.

The bigger question, however, is whether to subscribe to an existing "boxed" application, or whether to engage in individual software development.

We have collected the aspects that are definitely recommended to be considered as the zeroth step. Unfortunately, we do not make the decision easier, but that is not our goal either. We help you make the right decision. And that's never easy.

Advantages of boxed software

• Can be put into operation in a short period of time.
• It involves predictable initial costs.
• The subscriber gets proven solutions. You can join user forums and groups with a large number of members, where you can ask your questions and discuss them with others.

Disadvantages of boxed software

• The customer can only choose from existing solutions. More specialized functions are usually available at a premium. It is possible to create a unique supplement, but it is difficult, there are more sources of errors, and often it involves the loss of the warranty of the original software.
• A specialist is needed for the ancillary tasks of the operation - either you have your own, or you have to hire an external contractor. Hosting, mail, domain, management of updates, etc.
• A boxed software tailored to the needs of the masses does not always adequately support the mature processes of a company. Most of the functions designed for a variety of users are completely unnecessary for a specific user.
• It is more vulnerable to attacks, because it is worthwhile for hackers to constantly research security holes in software with a large user base.
• Version updates are often required. In such cases, additional maintenance is also required on the server, and the compatibility of the additional modules may cease, because in many cases they are updated only later.
• If something goes wrong with the update, the manufacturer does not provide individual support. In such cases, there is no choice but to quickly entrust someone who normally deals with unique development.

The advantages of individual development

• The modular structure also forms a coherent whole.
• To implement a more complex task, you don't need to use 2-3 boxed software - which may not even be possible or difficult to connect - but all subtasks can be performed within one application.
• Since all data and functions are within one system, many tasks that would have to be solved manually or with additional middleware can be automated.
• No unnecessary functions.
• No need for regular updates.
• Along with the growth of the company, the software can be further developed flexibly.
• Resources, such as server storage or bandwidth, can be used more optimally.
• Longer joint work creates an opportunity to meet real needs. See more: Az egyedi szoftverek rejtett előnyei

Disadvantages of custom development

• It usually takes longer to get from idea to implementation.
• The exact definition of needs requires more mental work from the customer.
• Typically a larger initial investment.
• The developer and operator must be chosen more carefully. Due to the longer and more intensive cooperation, the client is more dependent on the expertise and stable presence of the contractor. With a "garage company" it is easier for them to run out, disappear, or not answer the phone.

Stories from both sides
Finance
At the beginning of the 2000s, Hungary created the legal environment that made it competitive at the international level for some global service providers to move to our country. At that time, our partner dealing with the management of film industry financial affairs launched its Hungarian business almost at the same time as many of its competitors. From the beginning, they thought about unique development. Today, the market has confirmed their decision from more than ten years ago! With the continuously developed unique software background, they can follow the needs of partners and the market much better than they would be able to do with boxed solutions. Compared to competitors, they develop more dynamically.

Travel organization
Our client previously operated its reservation system with three subscription solutions.
Registration of reservations.
Management of booking forms.
Travel agency website, from which forms prepared for trips are also available.

Originally, we were asked to connect the first two software with a fourth, uniquely developed module. It soon became clear that by completely replacing the form software, more efficient administration and more customer-friendly service can be achieved. In the case of the other two software, they kept their subscriptions that adequately served the needs of the office, which we would not talk them out of.

Marketing
Since there is no single, universally valid good solution, we ourselves have developed a subscription-based service for certain needs. A good example of this is our solution, the reference map, which presents the successful projects of enterprises on an interactive map. The answer to such a challenge, which affects everyone, can be easily standardized even by taking individual needs into account. Therefore, although it could of course also be implemented with individual development, a more optimal option is the immediately available and cheaper boxed software.

However, the story does not end here! There is an additional dimension to the comparison of subscription and custom development software, which we cover in our article Hidden advantages of custom software (Az egyedi szoftverek rejtett előnyei ).