Often, when I’m at events or meeting people, and I mention that I run a software development company, the first question is: “What kind of software?”. It’s a great question and I’ve always found it challenging to answer succinctly.
My usual response is that we design and build custom software solutions for security-conscious businesses. Typically, that means mid-to-large sized organisations in regulated industries like healthcare, education and financial services - businesses that need a bespoke software solution to solve a complex problem.
It has taken eight years to refine that answer. Still, it has made me realise how much people expect software to come in a neat, packaged SaaS product. And fair enough, these days, it feels like there’s an off-the-shelf tool for everything.
That’s why I think there’s still an important piece of education to be done: when should you use existing SaaS products, and when is it time to consider building custom software?
Here are three questions to ask yourself…
1. Is your current SaaS solution still the right fit?
Off-the-shelf SaaS tools can be a great starting point—and if they’re still meeting your needs, that’s fantastic. We recommend first evaluating whether an existing product is the right fit, as it can be the most cost-effective option for simple requirements.
However, many of the businesses we work with began their journeys using standard SaaS platforms—only to eventually hit a wall.
Their needs changed. Their teams grew. Processes evolved. And the software that once served them well, simply couldn’t keep up.
At that point, they’re spending more time trying to “hack” workarounds than actually solving problems. That’s usually a good time to pause and ask:
“What are our business needs? Are we spending more (in time, money, or stress) in forcing a tool to fit rather than creating a custom solution?
A quick feature-value-cost analysis often makes the answer clear.
2. Do you want to own the IP and be free to shape it your way?
When you use off-the-shelf solutions, you’re essentially renting the functionality. You’re not investing in an asset that you can ultimately own and manage. And if the provider sunsets a feature you depend on, changes their roadmap or raises prices, you’ve got little control.
With a custom-built solution, the intellectual property belongs to you. You shape the product roadmap and retain full control over functionality, data, and future development.
It can add long-term strategic value to your business. We’ve had clients explore white-labelling and licensing their solution to similar businesses, turning their software into a new revenue stream.
3. Is your existing solution meeting your security and compliance requirements?
Security and compliance are not optional extras, particularly if you work in a regulated industry.
The majority of off-the-shelf software undergoes standard security testing and meets common regulatory benchmarks. But if you’re operating in a tightly regulated industry, such as government, healthcare, or finance, that may not be enough.
You should always check whether a vendor is certified against globally recognised standards such as SOC 2 or ISO 27001(as we are at Airteam) or has equivalent certifications. These certifications demonstrate that the provider has established robust and auditable security processes.
Beyond certifications, it’s also crucial to consider whether the software is developed using best-practice frameworks, such as AWS Well-Architected and OWASP Top 10, which support the development of secure, reliable, and sustainable applications.
We work with organisations that have strict requirements around:
- Data residency
- Disaster recovery
- Role-based access
- Compliance reporting
- Onshore hosting
- Vendor transparency
With custom software, you have much greater control over these parameters.
At Airteam, we integrate security into every stage of the development lifecycle and collaborate closely with clients to meet their specific compliance needs. This includes ensuring that data is stored securely and remains onshore or within designated regions, often a non-negotiable for regulated sectors.
In short: when you own the solution, you own the security model.
Can’t AI just build it for me?
We receive this question frequently, and it’s a valid one; AI has advanced significantly over the past few years. We even authored a white paper about it at the end of last year, and it’s already somewhat outdated.
Tools like “vibe coding” and AI code assistants are impressive, and they do have a place in the development process. We use them ourselves (more on that below). However, when it comes to building a secure, scalable, and maintainable custom software solution, they’re not there yet.
AI-generated code still requires experienced developers to review, validate, and extend it. And beyond the code itself, you still need to ensure the software:
- Solves the right problem
- Provides a great user experience
- Meets accessibility and compliance standards
- Is maintainable and secure
- Reflects your business rules and brand identity
AI is a useful assistant, but it’s not a replacement for accomplished software engineering and thoughtful product design.
How we use AI at Airteam
We use AI to help us move faster, deliver better, and focus on high-value work. It’s not about cutting corners, it’s about working smarter.
- Faster delivery: We use AI tools across our development workflow to reduce manual effort, improve code, and speed up delivery.
- Real-world integration: Our team uses and contributes to AI-enhanced platforms and integrates AI into client-facing solutions where it adds value.
- Purpose-built solutions with clients: We've co-designed AI-powered tools with clients, including training simulations, service portals, and healthcare projects.
- Smarter internal operations: Internally, AI helps us manage project context, streamline dev tasks, and stay focused on high-impact work.
We don’t use AI because it’s trendy. We use it where it clearly improves delivery, enhances the product, or helps our clients move faster and smarter.
So, is custom software right for you?
It’s a question that needs to be assessed project by project. And honestly, sometimes the answer is no.
But if your business:
- Operates in a regulated industry
- Prioritises data security and compliance
- Needs to deliver a unique value proposition
- Has outgrown off-the-shelf solutions
- Or needs to shape and own its own IP
…then a custom solution might be the right move.
Right now, we’re seeing a very active and engaged market looking for custom software solutions, not just for differentiation, but for greater control, flexibility and long-term value.
Whether you’re exploring new software to set your business apart, regain ownership of your product's IP and roadmap, or address evolving security and compliance requirements, we’re here to help.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch for a second opinion and explore these crucial questions. Together, we can discover which solution might suit you best at hello@airteam.com.au or through our contact form.
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