Guides to custom software, in plain English.
22 practical guides on cost, process, choosing a partner, SaaS, automation, security and cloud, written by the engineers who build it.
Decide what to build, what it costs, and who should build it.
Plan, price and buy
Guide · 6 min
Custom software vs off-the-shelf: how to decide
Choose off-the-shelf software when your needs are common and speed matters most. Choose custom software when your workflow is a competitive…
Guide · 7 min
How much does custom software cost?
The cost of custom software depends mainly on scope: the features you need, the number of users, integrations, design depth and compliance…
Guide · 6 min
The custom software development process, step by step
A custom software project moves through discovery, a fixed-scope quote, design and prototyping, build in short sprints, testing, launch,…
Guide · 8 min
How to choose a custom software development company
Choose a custom software development company by checking its verifiable track record, who actually does the work, how it prices, who owns…
Guide · 7 min
Fixed price vs time and materials software contracts
A fixed-price contract agrees scope and cost up front, so the budget is known. Time and materials bills for effort as it happens, which is…
Guide · 7 min
Software requirements brief template
A good software brief covers the problem, the users, the key workflows, must-have features, integrations, constraints and timeline in plain…
Guide · 7 min
Who owns the code in a custom software project?
In UK law the creator of software generally owns the copyright unless it is assigned to you in writing. If you commission software, make…
Guide · 8 min
How much does a website cost in the UK?
A website in the UK can cost anywhere from a few hundred pounds for a simple template site to tens of thousands for a custom store or web…
Guide · 7 min
How to hire a website developer in the UK
To hire a website developer in the UK, define your goals and budget, shortlist freelancers or agencies with relevant work, ask for a fixed,…
Replace spreadsheets and manual work with software that fits your process.
Internal systems and automation
Guide · 5 min
When to replace spreadsheets with custom internal software
Replace spreadsheets with custom internal software when they hold critical processes, multiple people edit them, errors carry real risk, or…
Guide · 7 min
Low-code vs custom software: which is right for you?
Low-code is quick to start and good for simple internal apps with standard needs. Custom software costs more upfront but gives full control…
Guide · 8 min
Custom CRM development: when building beats buying
Buy a CRM when standard sales pipelines fit your process. Build a custom CRM when your workflow is unusual, you need deep integrations or…
Guide · 8 min
8 business processes worth automating first
Automate repetitive, rules-based work that wastes the most time or carries the most risk: approvals, invoicing, onboarding, reporting,…
From idea to MVP to paying customers.
SaaS and product
Guide · 9 min
How to build a SaaS product: from idea to first customers
To build a SaaS product, validate the problem, scope a minimum viable product around one core job, design for multiple customers from day…
Guide · 7 min
MVP development: how to scope a minimum viable product
Scope an MVP around one core user journey that proves your idea. List features, rank them must, should, could and won’t, build only the…
Keep what you build fast, secure and affordable.
Web, cloud and security
Guide · 8 min
Core Web Vitals explained: what they are and how to pass
Core Web Vitals are three measures of real-world page experience: Largest Contentful Paint (loading, good at 2.5 seconds or less),…
Guide · 8 min
Website maintenance: what is included and why it matters
Website maintenance keeps a site secure, fast and available: applying updates and patches, testing backups, monitoring uptime, checking…
Guide · 8 min
Cloud cost optimisation: 9 ways to cut your cloud bill
Cut cloud costs by measuring spend first, then right-sizing oversized resources, switching off idle environments, deleting unused assets,…
Guide · 9 min
Software security basics for UK businesses
Secure software starts with access control, encryption, tested backups, prompt patching and secure development practice, aligned to the…
Guide · 6 min
Web design vs web development: what is the difference?
Web design is the planning and creation of how a website looks, reads and feels to use: layout, typography, colour, imagery and user flows.…
Guide · 7 min
Shopify vs WooCommerce vs custom ecommerce: which should you choose?
Shopify is the quickest way to launch a straightforward online store. WooCommerce suits businesses that already run WordPress and want…
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