Custom-Built Software

Many organisations opt for custom-built software when no suitable market solution is available. Software can be developed internally, outsourced to a third party, or acquired and customised.

Initial Costs

• IT Personnel – A team with expertise in software architecture, engineering, DevOps, quality assurance, UI/UX design, product ownership, and project management is required.

• Solution Development and Implementation – A hybrid approach is often followed, combining third-party-built and internally developed software. Strong project management is essential to align business and IT.

• Training – Employees must complete specific training to acquire the necessary skills.

• Hardware & Infrastructure – Investment is needed for purchasing, implementing, and managing hardware and infrastructure.

Finding and hiring IT personnel incurs high costs. Attracting skilled talent is essential to maintain a competitive edge. Moreover, the time to go live can span several years, increasing the risk that the software becomes outdated before it is fully deployed.

Ongoing Costs

• HR/Recruitment – Hiring IT talent is an ongoing process and can be expensive.

• Employer Branding – Competitive perks, benefits, and branding campaigns are needed to attract and retain employees.

• Labour Costs – Costs include salaries, bonuses, parental leave, medical insurance, training programs, and pension funds.

• Fixes/Patches – Regular software updates and bug fixes are necessary.

• Downtime – In-house software often lacks rigorous pre-launch testing, leading to unexpected downtime.

• Performance Tuning – Continuous improvements are needed to meet evolving standards.

• Rewrite Customisation & Integrations – As requirements and partnerships change, software customisations and integrations need updates.

• Upgrade Applications – Ensuring compatibility with the latest standards.

• IT/Hardware Maintenance – Hardware must be replaced periodically to meet performance requirements.

• Network, Security, and Database Management – Security audits, GDPR compliance, and infrastructure maintenance are ongoing responsibilities.

• Depreciation – Loss of value over time.

Key-person risk is another significant challenge. When software environments become highly complex, reliance on a few key individuals increases, making the system vulnerable.

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

Initial Costs

• Licensing Cost – Fees for setup and specific tools.

• Implementation Fee – SaaS solutions require experienced IT teams for proper implementation.

• Gap Development – Workarounds may be necessary to make the product fit specific business needs.

• Training – Employees need to complete training programs.

• Data Migration – Planning and executing data migration is essential.

Ongoing Costs

• Subscription Fee per User – Monthly or yearly subscription costs.

• HR/Recruitment – Some SaaS solutions still require experienced IT staff.

• Labour Costs – Salaries, bonuses, benefits, and training expenses.

• Fixes/Patches – Maintenance is needed as standalone software interfaces evolve.

• Downtime – Errors due to modularity may cause additional downtime.

• Performance Tuning – Monitoring is required as tools upgrade.

• Rewrite Customisation & Integrations – Changing business needs require continuous adjustments.

• Upgrade Applications – Regular updates are needed.

• Training & Support – Open communities provide support, but additional training may be required.

• Maintain Security – Security audits and software compatibility checks are essential.

• Manage Systems & Users – System administrators must manage access and users.

• Inactive Licenses – Costs continue for licenses assigned to former employees.

While SaaS solutions are generally more cost-effective, they are designed for the mass market, often requiring additional tools and integrations to fully meet business needs. Over time, this can lead to increased costs and inefficiencies.

A PMS tailored for outdoor hospitality

A Property Management System (PMS) tailored for the hospitality industry can be a better alternative to generic SaaS solutions. Maxxton offers a fully integrated solution, eliminating the need to manage multiple licenses, software fixes, and IT vendor negotiations.

Initial Costs

• Implementation Fee – Covers training, best practice advice, and data migration support.

• Gap Development – Custom functionalities tailored to client-specific needs.

Ongoing Costs

• Cost per Booking – A fixed price per confirmed booking, covering maintenance, support, and updates.

• Configuration – Businesses retain control over software configurations.

• Enhancements – Optional modules can be added post-implementation.

• Consultancy – Dedicated business or software consultants provide project-based support.

Maxxton prioritises transparency, offering a cost structure that ensures future-proof, secure, and scalable solutions.

The Bigger Picture

Beyond costs, businesses must consider whether software solutions align with operational workflows. A well-integrated system should adapt to business processes rather than forcing businesses to adjust to software limitations.

Maxxton Software provides unique advantages:

• Connectivity – Extensive API integrations with a dedicated team for customised connections.

• Compatibility – Continuous feature and module development, backed by a team of 100+ developers.

• Future-Proofing – Agile development through multiple Scrum teams and industry partnerships.

• Continuous Improvements – Regular performance monitoring, security audits, and system updates.

• Talent Access – Strong ties with universities and a dedicated recruitment team.

• Business Fit – Intuitive, user-friendly software designed for operational excellence.

• Scalability – Proven ability to integrate new locations and accommodations quickly.

• Expertise – Over 22 years of experience with a team of 100+ developers, business consultants, and a dedicated customer success team.

• AI-Driven Automation – Enhances decision-making, reduces errors, and improves customer experience.

By choosing Maxxton, businesses gain a reliable, scalable, and future-proof software solution that optimises operations while ensuring cost-effectiveness.