build vs buy
Custom Web App vs. Off-the-Shelf SaaS: How to Decide
A framework for the build-or-subscribe decision, including the three situations where building is almost always wrong.
Topic
Saas
1 article on saas.
Capabilities
Application DevelopmentGovernment software & modernizationWeb Application DevelopmentPortals, internal tools & dashboardsCustom SoftwareIntegration & legacy modernizationAI SolutionsCustom AI on Claude, GPT & GeminiCybersecurityZero Trust, SIEM, ATO supportCloud & InfrastructureFedRAMP migration & managed cloudData & AnalyticsPlatforms, BI, and AI/MLManaged Services24/7 operations & help deskProcurementSource the full stack, end-to-end
Core managed IT
Monitoring & ManagementEvery device watched, 24/7Patch ManagementOS and third-party, automatedEndpoint SecurityNext-gen antivirus and EDRBackup & Disaster RecoveryTested, not assumedHelp DeskA real technician, fastNetwork MonitoringSwitches, firewalls and Wi-Fi, watchedMobile Device ManagementPhones and tablets, lock and wipe
All fourteen core services Security & compliance
Detection & Response24/7 analysts, isolation in minutesEmail SecurityPhishing, spoofing, DMARCVulnerability ManagementFound, ranked, fixedComplianceHIPAA · CMMC · PCI · CJISCyber Insurance ReadinessThe questionnaire, evidencedIdentity & Access (MFA, SSO)Every sign-in verified, access reviewedManaged FirewallRules, updates, VPN, segmentation
Cloud, servers & strategy
Microsoft 365 ManagementIdentity, MFA, licensing, TeamsMicrosoft 365 BackupIndependent daily copiesEmail MigrationGoogle, Microsoft 365, ExchangevCIO & IT StrategyBudget, roadmap, quarterly reviewCo-Managed ITAlongside your in-house teamServer ManagementWindows, Linux, Hyper-V and VMwareEmail ArchivingRetention, legal hold, discovery
All professional services Build
Website DesignPlanned around customers, owned by youLanding PagesOne page, one offer, one actionWordPress DevelopmentCustom themes, no builder lock-inWordPress PluginsCustom plugins & plugin fixesShopify DevelopmentThemes, custom apps & checkoutLaravel DevelopmentBuilds, APIs & version upgradesRuby on RailsBuilds, upgrades & rescuesNext.js & ReactThe stack this site runs on
Run
Website MaintenanceTested updates & proven backups24/7 MonitoringCheckout & forms, not just pingsSpeed & Core Web VitalsMeasured on real visitors, fixed in the buildAccessibility (ADA / WCAG)Audited by hand, fixed in the codeMigration & DeploymentRehearsed cutovers, tested rollbackAI AutomationRepetitive work, with a human check
All web development services Browse by category
CybersecuritySplunk, CrowdStrike, Palo Alto, ZscalerCloud & InfrastructureAzure Government, AWS GovCloudData & AnalyticsSplunk, Databricks, TableauDevOps & Software DevGitLab, Atlassian, ServiceNowCollaborationMicrosoft 365, Adobe, Google WorkspaceAI / ML PlatformsNVIDIA, Bedrock, Vertex AINetworking & HardwareCisco, Dell, HPE, ArubaEndpoint & DevicesDell, Apple, Surface, Tanium