In this section:

• WebSphere Commerce Development
• Software Support Plans
• Technical Assessments
• Custom Development
  • Open Source Software
  • Commercial Software
  • Build, Buy or Host
    • Build Advantages
    • Build Disadvantages
    • Buy Advantages
    • Buy Disadvantages
    • Host Advantages
    • Host Disadvantages
    • Hosted Solutions

Home > Our Services > Custom Development > Build, Buy or Host

Buy Disadvantages

NO SOURCE CODE.  You can’t make changes to the source code because you don’t own the software - you rent it. Changes are made by the vendor on their timeframe, not yours.  Software vendors are slow to respond and new features are released in one-year increments at best.

CONTRACTS.  Over time, companies find themselves adapting to the software limitations rather than tailoring the system to fit their growing and changing needs. Eventually companies find themselves locked into a contractual arrangement that becomes less advantageous to them as time goes on.

PERSPECTIVE.  While some organizations are reluctant to use Open Source software because of its lack of one-throat-to-choke mentality, others recognize that depending upon one supplier represents a single-point-of-failure. Many companies went through this experience during the dot.com bust.

LICENSE CONSTRAINTS.  There are rigid restrictions on how the software can be used; know them well.  If the software vendor’s solution is deployed on multiple CPUs or computers – the cash register sings CHA-CHING, CHA-CHING!  FYI - licensing fees is how you pay for the vendor’s marketing costs.

RENEWALS.  Other than the capital outlay for the initial software purchase, expect to pay another 20% for annual software support.  You are then forced to migrate to a new version whether you want to or not, to maintain vendor support services. This can turn into a vicious cycle of costly upgrades.