For decades, custom software was the domain of Fortune 500 companies with IT budgets to match. Small and mid-sized businesses were stuck with off-the-shelf solutions that sort of fit their needs.
That's changed. Here's why 2025 is the year SMBs should seriously consider custom software.
Development Costs Have Dropped Dramatically
Modern development frameworks, cloud infrastructure, and AI-assisted coding have reduced development costs by 40-60% compared to a decade ago. What once required a $500K budget can now be accomplished for $75K-$150K.
SaaS Costs Have Gone the Other Direction
Meanwhile, SaaS pricing has steadily increased. The average SMB now spends $343 per employee per month on software subscriptions. For a 50-person company, that's over $200,000 annually—and growing every year.
Off-the-Shelf Solutions Create Operational Friction
When your software doesn't match your processes, your team develops workarounds. These workarounds:
- Waste 2-4 hours per employee per week
- Increase error rates
- Make training new employees harder
- Create data silos and integration headaches
Custom Software = Competitive Advantage
Your larger competitors use the same Salesforce, the same HubSpot, the same generic tools everyone else uses. Custom software built around your unique approach becomes something they can't easily replicate.
The "Right Size" Myth
Many SMB owners think they're "not big enough" for custom software. But the real question isn't size—it's:
- Do your processes matter to your success?
- Are you spending significant money on multiple software tools?
- Do your current tools create friction?
- Would better automation improve your margins?
If you answered yes to two or more, custom software deserves consideration regardless of your company size.
Starting the Conversation
At Aslan, we work primarily with SMBs—companies with 20-500 employees who have real operational challenges and the vision to solve them. We build systems that our clients own completely, with no ongoing licensing fees.
Is Custom Software Right for Your Business?
Let's have a conversation about your challenges. No pressure, no sales pitch—just an honest assessment.
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