Software as a service (SaaS) or custom software?

Published on 07.01.2023

A company that needs software faces a fundamental choice: whether to buy a subscription and use some available software as a service, or commission the creation of its custom application. Below we will try to define both solutions and describe the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Software as a service (SaaS)

Software as a service (SaaS) is ready-made, previously created and owned software that is made available to external users (e.g. companies) as a cloud service, usually available to the client via a web browser. You have to pay a subscription to access this service.

Native or hybrid mobile apps | YarMobile

Advantages of SaaS

Disadvantages of SaaS

Some of the above disadvantages also apply to ready-made “boxed” applications installed on client computers.

We create custom IoT device management software | YarMobile

Custom software

Custom software (also known as bespoke software or tailor-made software) is custom-made software for a specific company or person, strictly tailored to its needs and requirements, or at least to the scope of the project set at the beginning.

Advantages of custom software

Ecommerce mobile app development | YarMobile
Mobile app development - technologies | YarMobile

Disadvantages of custom software

What is best for me?

If you are a new small business, have a limited budget, need a fairly standard application and there is a SaaS that includes the features you need – this is the option for you. An example can be online stores, where there are many standard solutions for rent.

However, if:

— then the best solution for you will be to order a “tailor-made” application.

By creating your own application, you have it more convenient, better suited to your needs, and you have your own branding in it.

What do you look and feel better in: tailor-made or rented clothes?

Jaroslaw Pietras
What is best for me

Are you wondering if a dedicated application would work in your case?