Building versus buying software

Organizations often face the challenge of deciding whether to build their own software solutions or purchase commercially available ones, with factors such as cost, maintenance, support, and security influencing the decision. Building a custom solution can offer benefits like tailored features and no recurring costs, but it demands significant time, maintenance, and potential hidden expenses related to staffing and resources. Conversely, purchasing software often involves subscription costs and limitations in customization, but it includes updates, security patches, and support services that are often more robust. The decision hinges on evaluating long-term value, scalability, and organizational needs, with examples showing both successful in-house solutions and advantages of commercial products like Octopus Deploy, illustrating the importance of aligning the choice with strategic goals.