Software Build vs. Buy…a Third Option
As an IT consultant and software developer, no initial client meeting would be complete without the question, “Do we need to custom-build this thing or can we buy off-the-shelf?” Fellow tweet @darthgarry pointed out a great article about a project that objectively compared the two options. In that case, off-the-shelf was the hands-down winner. I answer the question by evaluating the level of innovation for the customer’s designed solution and the market maturity in that space. I would never build a customer relationship application or accounting package (at least, not anymore) but I would consider it for a new, innovative process that the client has designed to improve productivity (sorry that’s so vague).
Enter Option #3. Salesforce.com and the Force.com development platform grant another choice: subscribe to their service and all the great features within, and use custom configuration and development to fill in the gaps. Configuration options in off-the-shelf software are nothing new, but Salesforce.com takes it to a new level: custom fields and data tables with zero programming, customized page layouts via a drag-and-drop administrative screen, and/or entirely custom user interfaces and application logic using Visualforce and Apex programming.
Rupert Fallows 4:04 am on July 17, 2010 Permalink |
The TAS Group have a great whitepaper called Build v Buy a sales methodology and sales process ionside Salesforce.com, worked out with a 50 sales rep company. A good read. http://www.thetasgroup.com/whitepapers.html