Build vs BuyAs an IT consultant and software developer, no initial client meeting would be complete without the question, “Do we need to custom-build this thing or can we buy off-the-shelf?” Fellow tweet @darthgarry pointed out a great article about a project that objectively compared the two options. In that case, off-the-shelf was the hands-down winner. I answer the question by evaluating the level of innovation for the customer’s designed solution and the market maturity in that space. I would never build a customer relationship application or accounting package (at least, not anymore) but I would consider it for a new, innovative process that the client has designed to improve productivity (sorry that’s so vague).

Enter Option #3. Salesforce.com and the Force.com development platform grant another choice: subscribe to their service and all the great features within, and use custom configuration and development to fill in the gaps. Configuration options in off-the-shelf software are nothing new, but Salesforce.com takes it to a new level: custom fields and data tables with zero programming, customized page layouts via a drag-and-drop administrative screen, and/or entirely custom user interfaces and application logic using Visualforce and Apex programming.

Back to my vague example: the client wants an application for an innovative process that improves productivity. Great stuff…no off the shelf software is going to do that (that’s what makes it innovative). But a from-scratch custom software solution is going to drag in all the non-innovative elements with it: screens to track customer information, email notifications, reporting, dashboards, login screens, forgot-your-password functionality, etc. Need to build in a workflow engine and some approval processes? There’s open source code libraries for that stuff, but I’ll need to load it up and incorporate that into the solution. Share data with another system via web services?  This is getting expensive.

Salesforce.com’s option 3 gets you started with all the essentials (and more): secure login, account/contact management, activity tracking, reporting, dashboards, workflow and approvals, and the list goes on. Start there, and then spend your customization time and money on the innovative stuff. And while you’re at it, turn on Salesforce.com’s newest feature, Chatter, and watch your users turn your software solution into a collaborative business environment.

Best part: if you already use Salesforce.com (Enterprise Edition or above), you already have the Force.com platform. Build your custom application regardless of it having anything to do with CRM. Link it to your Acounts/Contacts/Opportunities, or build it entirely separate. You have an army of security options to determine which users see what features.

Don’t have Salesforce.com yet? Don’t forget to consider the power of the Force.com platform to solve other business challenges outside of your CRM need. More Return for the same Investment. Get the 30-Day Free Trial to experience the benefits first hand.

Don’t need CRM right now? The Force.com is available as a stand-alone solution without all the CRM features. There’s even a Free Edition to get you started.

And don’t forget to check out the Salesforce AppExchange to see what other features can be loaded in before settling in on your build/buy decision. You’ll find free add-ons from Force.com Labs and hundreds of 3rd party solutions offered by the Salesforce.com ISV community.

So many options!