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Bespoke software is developed on a fixed price project basis. You know exactly how much the cost will be. This
price will not change as long as the original specification is not
radically changed.
Low overheads means I can offer affordable
prices.
I guarantee no hidden costs.
You only pay for what you need.
Larger projects can be developed as a series of smaller self contained stages, spreading development
costs.
Example Bespoke Software Costs
Examples of costs vary considerable from project to project depending on exact specification. Here are some examples:
1. Checking Invoices £800
2. Artist Accounts £1300
3. Patient Appointments and Billing £1800
4. Membership Database £3500
5. Crew Tracking £3600
6. Ad Planning £5500
Factors Influencing Software Cost
Number of Forms & Reports
Complexity of processing required on forms
Size of the data and inter-relationship between data items
Importing old data, particularly if not well structured or from multiple sources
Target for Web or PC/Server
Level of design required, especially for web solutions
Distribution of data, e.g. communication between different sites increases application costs
Interaction with other systems
Generally Web based solutions cost at least 50% more than office based
How Costs are Split
In a proposal I give you a detailed break down of the costs.
A typical breakdown for large web fronted data base application could be:
- 10% Specification, Design and Meetings
- 5% Import and Export
- 5% Database Setup, Security, Framework, Menus
- 40% Forms
- 15% Reports
- 25% Testing, Amendments, Support & Handover
These vary depending on the nature of the project.
Stage Payments
You pay for projects in stages, for example:
- 30% on placement of order
- 40% on coding completion and demonstration of all functions and reports completed
- 30% on satisfactory completion of user testing and handover
No Site Licenses
With my software there is no site license, or per user charge that are common with off-the-shelf packages.
Hourly Rate
I charge at an hourly rate for ongoing support, small
additions to the original application, when work
is needed urgently, or when no clear specification has yet been
agreed.
My hourly
rate is £30
per hour.
Advice for Commissioning Software
1) The clearer the idea you have, the more chance you will get what you want and avoid overspend.
2) Look at the competition and what else is already on the market. Find websites you like the look of, if appropriate. It is a great help to a developer to see examples rather than have descriptions.
3) Focus on the process, be clear what happens at each stage. Consider exceptions, what happens if data is not complete etc.
4) Keep things as simple as possible, and identify the essential functionality you require.
5) Consider a staged approach. You can add refinements later.
6) Be realistic regarding the time and resources you need to put in to successfully implement a new project. Don't expect the developer to do everything for you. Request to see progress regularly.
If you would like an estimated cost for a software project call Paul on
01695 720562.
If you are in the feasibility stage and details are not finalised, I can give ball-park figures.
Bespoke Software Project Development >>
Examples of Bespoke Software Projects >> |
