# Enterprise Software vs Off-the-Shelf Solutions
Every growing company reaches a crossroads: buy software (SaaS) or build it (Custom Enterprise Software). The wrong choice can cost millions in wasted license fees or development hours.
**NacroSoft Technologies** helps enterprises make this crucial buy-vs-build decision.
1. The Case for Off-the-Shelf (SaaS)
2. The Case for Custom Enterprise Software
3. The Hybrid Approach
Often, the best solution is a mix. Buy Salesforce for CRM, but build a custom portal that pulls data from Salesforce and presents it to your customers in a unique way.
4. Long-Term Cost Analysis
SaaS looks cheaper initially ($50/user/month). But for 1,000 users over 5 years, that's $3 Million. A custom solution might cost $500k to build and $100k/year to maintain—saving you millions in the long run.
Key Takeaways
Conclusion
There is no universal answer. The decision depends on your budget, timeline, and strategic goals.
**NacroSoft Technologies** acts as your technology partner, helping you evaluate vendors or build custom solutions when the market falls short.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: Can we customize off-the-shelf software?**
A: To a limit. Most SaaS platforms offer APIs for some customization, but you are still bound by their core logic.
**Q: How long does custom software last?**
A: With proper maintenance, code can last decades. However, it should be modernized every 5-7 years to prevent technical debt.
**Q: Is custom software harder to support?**
A: You need an internal team or a partner like NacroSoft to support it, whereas SaaS support is included in the subscription.