Resources

Guides to getting software or an app developed

Direct answers, written for business owners and team leaders, not for developers. Each guide links to the corresponding service if you want to go further.

In short

These guides answer the questions asked before launching a software project: what business software is, how to write a requirements specification, how much custom software or a SaaS costs, how to take over code from a vendor, when to replace Excel. They are written by The Level Code's team, in Lille, and never give made-up figures.

By Romain Nivelle, President of The Level Code · Updated on

Business software: definitionBusiness software: simple definition, examples, difference from off-the-shelf software or a no-code tool, and when to…How much does custom software cost?A practical guide to understanding the price of custom software: cost factors, items often forgotten, how to compare…How do you write a software requirements specification?Software requirements specification: what it's for, what it must contain, mistakes to avoid and a plan template to copy…How do you get an app built?How to get an app built: the concrete steps, what to prepare, the questions to ask a provider and the pitfalls to avoid.How much does app development cost?App development cost: what makes the price vary, fixed-price or time-and-materials, recurring costs (hosting, stores…How much does a SaaS cost to build?How much a SaaS costs to build: cost items (product, subscriptions, administration, operations), recurring costs and…How to take over code from a vendorSwitching IT vendors or taking over code from an agency or freelancer who's left: what to recover, the audit, the steps…Freelancer or agency to build your software?Freelancer or agency to build an app or software: an honest comparison (freelancer, agency, studio, no-code, in-house)…Replacing Excel with business software: when and how?Guide to choosing between keeping Excel, a no-code tool, off-the-shelf software or custom software, and migrating…How do you replace a spreadsheet with software?Practical guide to replacing a business spreadsheet with software: warning signs, what must carry over, when to keep…Offline field app: how do you design one?Practical guide to offline mode for field apps: data granularity, conflict handling, photos, synchronisation.Building an app with AI: how far can you go alone?Building an app with AI: what the tools do well, their limits for software built to last, and when to call in a…

Case study: Trackary, our equipment fleet management software →

Where to start?

If you are new to the subject, start with the definition of business software, then the guide on getting an app built. If you already have a project in mind, the requirements specification guide gives you a plan to copy, and the one on the price of custom software explains what makes a quote vary.

If software already exists but is no longer evolving, start by reading the guide on taking over code from a vendor.

A project, a question?

Describe what you need in a few lines: you deal directly with the team, in Lille.