Developing in-house IT solutions that come anywhere near to matching products marketed by third parties can be difficult. Software vendors with large budgets are able to produce generic, customisable, feature-rich products, which are often designed to operate in multiple vertical markets. These products are invariably pixel perfect, with layers of gloss exuding quality.
However, no matter how many millions have been poured into the development, it is often the case that when you get towards the end of any sales presentation, small cracks begin to appear in the product.
For example:
- It may not quite fit in with our current business practices
- It may need integrating with one of our current in-house solutions
- Reporting facilities may be weak or non-existent or not geared to our particular business needs
- Mortgage networks will have different approaches on how to secure the best IT solution for their business.
The problem with third party products is they can be bloated with features that are not required and never used, making them too complicated and expensive to use.
In-house knowledge
Networks are often able to develop excellent solutions to their own business problems at a relatively acceptable cost. This is generally because they have in-depth subject knowledge within the organisation.
Control
Most developments are strategic to the business and it is essential that the network maintain control of every aspect.
Responsiveness
Third party software developers can be slow in responding to requests for change or can be unwilling to adapt their software to the needs of user. If they do agree then the costs can be prohibitive.
Integration
Integration of third party software with existing in-house systems can be difficult and expensive, with a reliance on the third party opening up their product to facilitate progress. This issue will often negate the initial perceived benefits of buying ‘off the shelf’.
Support
Support and maintenance costs can be extremely high. Supporting in-house developments can be straightforward because the system will generally be simpler than comparable commercial packages and will be better integrated with internal systems. Too often a third party solution is seen as a ‘quick fix’ and invariably the costs of integration, support and future development are ignored.
In view of the potential issues that could arise in working with a third party provider, it is often the best option to concentrate on delivering an in-house IT development programme.
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