Here are some eye-opening numbers.
- Canada expects to have a total of 38.42 million internet users by 2029.
- Current figures show a 94.3% internet penetration rate for the country, which is significantly higher than the global rate.
If you want to do business in Canada, you must be online. But as you undergo a digital transformation, you’ll likely have two choices: develop a custom web application or implement an existing tool.
Each approach comes with its pros and cons. This article serves as your guide. Let’s begin!
Custom Web Applications
Custom web applications are websites uniquely developed according to the needs of a business.
These apps can range from marketplaces to customer management systems (CRMs) and even data analytics tools. So, instead of getting a one-size-fits-all solution, you’ll have complete software with all your objectives in mind.
Custom web applications work by running on a web server. Through it, users can access the app via a browser instead of installed software. This makes it easier for many people to access your app via any device that can be connected to the internet.
Pros
- Can be built to your specific requirements. This ensures efficiency in the tasks you intend to perform.
- Since they’re scalable, you can easily upgrade custom web applications according to your business needs.
- These apps tend to offer tighter security compared to off-the-shelf software.
- You’ll have better control over the small details.
- Without software licensing fees, custom web apps can be more cost-effective both for you and the user.
Cons
- The initial cost of creating a custom web application can be quite high.
- Developers might take longer to build these apps from scratch.
- Depending on how complex your software is, you may require support teams for maintenance and updates.
Implementing Existing Tools
Pre-built applications are available that are versatile enough to cater to many businesses—especially those in sectors with a low barrier to entry. You’ll see these used for e-commerce websites that need basic order placement features, tracking, and inventory.
Since they’re simpler in terms of development, existing tools are always ready to be installed or accessed via the web, too.
Pros
- Available on-demand, making existing tools ideal if you have a tight deadline.
- These tools are backed by community assistance. This means you’ll have people online to help you with troubleshooting and user guidance.
- Since they’re easier to build with and maintain, they’re cheaper than custom web apps in terms of initial costs.
Cons
- You’ll get fewer customization options.
- Existing tools can potentially pose security risks, mainly because the software is more widely used.
- Their flexibility and scalability can be limited, especially compared to a custom web application.
How Do I Make the Right Choice?
Make an informed decision by considering your business’s specific needs, budget, scalability expectations, and schedule.
Simply put, custom web applications can help you if you want a more customizable option. What’s better is that it’s easy for developers to scale these apps according to your business needs. Meanwhile, implementing existing tools can be more cost-efficient. It’s just that they may not be able to cater to more detail-specific needs.
Need help with custom web applications? Look no further than Begin With B. We’ll sit down with you, talk about your required specs, and help you make your business thrive in the online market.
Connect with us to explore how we can assist you with your software needs.
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