Should you build a custom data app?
Your data is important, and how you work with it makes it valuable. This means that “build vs. buy?” a valid question. It also suggests that you probably don’t want the cheapest and quickest option.
But does that mean you have to build from scratch, or hire an outside firm to do custom development? Or why not just vibe code something using AI? We have some answers.
How much does it cost to build a custom data app?
The correct answer is obviously it depends, but it’s more helpful to break down the costs involved and see how they add up to a final number:
- Development. Assuming you’re scoping and planning out the app’s requirements yourself, you can still expect to spend five figures for a simple app, and well into six for something more complex.
- Hosting and maintenance. The app needs to exist somewhere and accommodate bugfixes and security updates. This could also include the cost of external services or integrations.
- New features. If your app is a useful one, it will probably need to adapt and grow as time goes on. This is where custom development can get pricy, as initial solutions might not have extensibility or flexibility as a key criteria (if they did, that would have cost extra anyways!).
So what is Grist?
Grist turns the spreadsheets running your business into secure applications.
It leverages the spreadsheet interface and a database structure, letting you build robust and reliable apps and workflows.
It also keeps your data in your hands. Always.
Quick comparison
| Grist | Custom development |
|
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | N/A | It depends, but expect five figures for a simple app and six for a more complex one. [source] |
| Recurring cost | Competitive Enterprise pricing. See all plans. | Maintenance, hosting and security updates anywhere from $50-500 per month. New features extra, of course. |
| Risk profile | Secure SaaS with option to self-host. Built-in access rules. | Standard deployment risks (vendor disappearing mid-project, developer turnover, IP disputes, scope creep) with additional authentication and data sharing concerns. |
| Time to launch | At the speed of data entry (with automatic importing). | Requires cross-functional coordination and typical software release cycles. |
| Flexibility & extensibility | No- and low-code app building tools using your structured data. | Initial development may not be easily expanded upon. New features mean additional development cycles and costs. |
| Self-hostable? | Yes | Not if the custom development leverages proprietary integrations or external services. |
How does Grist lower my risk profile?
Grist is built around fully portable data with no lock-in mechanisms. A Grist file is an SQLite database, and always able to be exported elsewhere.
Grist is 100% self-hostable for on-premises deployment, or available with managed hosting around the world. Own the servers and audit the code.
Comprehensive and highly-customizable role-based access rules, letting you limit access and exporting down to the row.
How can I deploy Grist?
Secure SaaS
Hosted on getgrist.com and ready to go. The easiest way to start using Grist or to test out features before deploying on-premise.
Managed server
Grist Labs deploys and manages Grist on a dedicated server in a region of your choice. Gives you the customization of self-hosting, but leaves the devops and maintenance to us.