The secret to long-term growth. Pick the right technology

Businesses rely on custom software solutions to gain a competitive edge. Whether it’s enhancing internal operations or providing unique customer experiences, custom software is a key part of your long-term growth. However, one of the most critical decisions in developing custom software is selecting the right technology stack to build the platform on. The choice of technology not only influences the immediate success of the project but also its long-term viability and supportability.
So in this week’s article, you’ll learn;

• How legacy technology will limit your growth.
• Why relying on one team’s unique speciality will cost you long-term.
• How you will benefit from your developer following standard practices.

Legacy technologies: A cautionary tale

At Shoothill we encounter legacy technology a lot. Technology is not the main focus of many businesses, it’s an afterthought, a necessary evil – but only because it is neglected. A company will often carry on with the system they have, even though it’s unsupported, slow and their team dread using it. It’s the sunk cost fallacy, they’ve invested in it already however they’re losing time and money every time they use it.

Legacy technologies, such as an ageing Microsoft Access database, still have a place in certain environments, particularly in smaller, niche applications. However, these tools come with significant limitations. Access, for example, was never designed to handle the complexities or scale that modern businesses require. It may work well for a small database or simple application, but as your business grows, you’ll quickly find that Access cannot scale effectively.
Moreover, as technology advances – as it has done, fewer developers are proficient in maintaining or upgrading legacy systems like Access, leading to increased risk and potential downtime as businesses scramble to find the right expertise.

The risks of technology specialisation

Another common pitfall is allowing the choice of technology to be overly influenced by the expertise of a particular developer or team. While it’s natural to lean on the skills of those available, this approach can lead to problems down the line.

If your development team specialises in a niche or less widely adopted technology, you may find yourself in a bind if your relationship with that team changes. The pool of developers who can support or expand upon the custom software will be limited, potentially resulting in higher costs and longer timeframes when issues arise or when updates are needed. It’s a risk that many businesses underestimate. Initially, everything might run smoothly because the developers are experts in the chosen technology. However, as the business evolves or if the original developers are no longer available, or you move to a different developer, the scarcity of specialists can turn what was once an asset into a liability. This risk is particularly pronounced in fast-moving industries where technology needs to adapt quickly to changing business requirements.

The case for standardisation on major platforms

To mitigate these risks, businesses should consider standardising on widely supported and robust technology platforms like .NET. Choosing a major platform like .NET offers several advantages. First and foremost, it’s a technology supported by a large, global community of developers. This means that you’re not tied to any one developer or firm. If your business relationship changes, you can easily find qualified developers to take over the project, ensuring continuity and reducing risk, an open source platform knowledge is widespread about how to use it.

.NET, in particular, is a versatile and mature framework that is cross-platform and supports a wide range of applications, from web and mobile to desktop and cloud-based solutions. It’s continually updated and maintained by Microsoft, ensuring that it evolves with the latest technological advancements and security practices. Moreover, the abundance of resources, documentation, and tools available for .NET makes it easier and more cost-effective to develop, maintain, and scale custom software solutions.

The importance of choosing the right technology for custom software projects cannot be overstated. While legacy technologies and niche specialisations may seem like viable options initially, they can pose significant risks in the long term. Choosing a mature framework that is ready to be developed in is vital, building on a less mature development framework, could see the platform disappear. By standardising on a widely supported platform like .NET, businesses can ensure the longevity, scalability, and supportability of their custom software. This approach not only mitigates risks but also positions the business to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Making the right choice today can save countless headaches tomorrow.