Owning Your Own Software is far better than using 3rd party solutions a.k.a. 'Off-the-shelf Software'

Clients often want to have a website having all the bells and whistles of a 3rd party template system. Example for some of these 3rd party systems include real estate websites and shopping cart websites.

What can be a good start for the budget weary business person; getting locked in to a system could end up causing you headaches in the long run.

Let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages.

Customizations and Feature Enhancements

In a custom option, you can have any level of customization. In 3rd party application, you have to work within the existing framework. Any future customization must be within this framework boundary, hence unforeseen limitations.

Version Upgrades
There is NO problem of version upgrades as you and your web developer control and adhere to the original code base.

When a 3rd party application upgrades, you may *lose customizations performed as there is the possibility of changes in the code structure, class’s methods and database.

Scalable/Security
In custom option you can add more layers for security and performance tuning when application grows making it easier to handle a large user base when required.

In a 3rd party application you are constrained by the database and coding structure of any 3rd party application, having certain limitation for capabilities. This is one of many unforeseen* risk factors.
You also need to concern yourself that the application you have chosen does not fall out of favor amongst companies and developers essentially leaving you driving an Edsel.

Cost
Initially the cost is higher, but future enhancements and customizations costs are usually nominal. PLUS – you own the software. Want to change web hosting? – No problem. Want to sell your website? No 3rd party contracts or conflicts to worry about.

Initially a 3rd party application is less expensive but need for additions of custom features requires that you hire a professional from the respective 3rd party solution’s partner program. This can be costly.

Source Code Availability
In most cases you may request or will be provided with the full source code of the application.

In most 3rd party application, you may NOT have the source code of application or in some cases you must pay an additional cost. In any case the source code is usually proprietary unless it is considered an open source code base.

Features Availability
Custom features can be made available or developed whenever required.

In a 3rd party application You could add features when released or upgrade the version with new feature. However this poses unforeseen a risk.

About the Author
Rick Vidallon is President of Visionefx, a Web design company based in Virginia Beach, Va. They provide services to national companies as well as small to medium businesses throughout the United States. Rick can be reached at (757) 619-6456 or www.visionefx.net.