Frequently asked questions

Custom software development typically ranges from $5,000 to $25,000 for a focused Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or business application, and $30,000 to $100,000+ for complex enterprise platforms with advanced third-party integrations and compliance. Final costs depend on feature complexity, user scale, and architectural requirements.

We design, build and support custom software, web and mobile applications, AI solutions, cloud infrastructure and automation for organisations of all sizes.

We work across sectors including healthcare, education, finance, retail, manufacturing, logistics, real estate, travel and professional services. See our Industries page for details.

Custom software provides complete intellectual property ownership, eliminates ongoing per-user subscription fees, adapts 100% to your unique business workflows, and scales without vendor lock-in. It becomes a permanent capital asset rather than a recurring operating expense.

A typical MVP or core web application requires 6 to 10 weeks, while comprehensive enterprise platforms take 3 to 6 months. Softec AI operates on agile 2-week sprints with transparent milestone demonstrations to guarantee rapid time-to-market.

While traditional chatbots only answer canned questions based on keywords, autonomous AI agents can reason, break down multi-step goals, query databases through APIs, browse information, and execute actions autonomously across business software without human intervention.

Enterprise AI agents utilize Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and isolated vector databases with end-to-end encryption. Data queries are processed inside private Virtual Private Clouds (VPC) without exposing proprietary business data to public model training sets.

Yes. We build secure API connectors and webhooks that allow AI agents to interact directly with your existing CRM, ERP, accounting software, and communication tools (Slack, Teams, WhatsApp), enabling automated record updates and workflow triggers.

DevOps unifies software engineering and operations through automated CI/CD pipelines, container orchestration (Docker/Kubernetes), and infrastructure-as-code (IaC). This achieves 99.99% high availability, automated rollbacks, and daily deployments without system downtime.

We implement a strict Zero-Trust Architecture, including OWASP Top 10 security hardening, robust Content Security Policies (CSP), granular role-based access control (RBAC), database encryption at rest and in transit, and continuous automated vulnerability assessments.

We provide dedicated English-speaking technical project managers, 4 to 5 hours of overlapping working hours with US, UK, and European time zones, daily asynchronous Slack/Teams updates, transparent GitHub/Jira boards, and weekly live sprint reviews.

We offer three flexible models: Dedicated Development Teams (monthly retainers for dedicated engineers), Fixed-Price Milestone Delivery (for clearly defined project scopes), and Time & Materials / Architecture Consulting Sprints.

With a short discovery conversation about your goals, users and constraints. We then propose an approach, team and plan — usually with a phased roadmap so you see value early.

Yes. We can extend your in-house team, take over an existing application after a code review, or deliver a complete solution end to end.

Ownership terms are agreed in the contract for each engagement. Our standard approach is that clients own the custom code and data created for them.

After discovery we provide a transparent estimate based on scope, complexity and team size. We offer fixed-scope, dedicated-team and time-and-materials engagement models.

Yes. Maintenance and support plans cover security updates, monitoring, bug fixes and continuous improvements.

We design AI solutions with data protection in mind — limiting what data models can access, using providers and configurations that meet your requirements, and adding human review where decisions matter.

We start with an assessment of the business problem, available data and risks. Sometimes the best answer is AI; sometimes simpler automation or analytics delivers the value more reliably.

Predictive models usually need relevant historical data that reflects real conditions. We assess data quality and availability early and can help build the data foundations if needed.

We monitor model performance, track data drift and retrain or adjust models when accuracy declines, with clear processes for review and approval.

We can build an integration layer, use secure database or file-based exchanges, or, where appropriate, automate the user interface. We recommend the most reliable option available for each system.

We design for failure with retries, queues, idempotent processing, monitoring and alerts, and document every integration so issues can be diagnosed quickly.

Yes. We design versioned, documented APIs with authentication, rate limiting and usage monitoring so partners can integrate securely.

Start with frequent, rule-driven, error-prone processes that have clear owners and digital inputs, such as invoice processing, onboarding, order entry or report generation. We help you score and prioritise candidates.

Usually not. Automation typically connects and orchestrates your existing systems through APIs, integration layers or, where necessary, user-interface automation.

We design automations to process the common path automatically and route exceptions to the right person with all relevant context, so nothing gets lost.

AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud are all capable platforms. We recommend a provider based on your existing technology, required services, team skills and commercial considerations.

We migrate in planned waves, rehearse cut-overs and data migrations, use synchronisation where needed and prepare tested rollback plans for every step.

It can, particularly with right-sizing, automation and decommissioning of legacy infrastructure. We set up cost visibility and optimisation so spending stays under control.

Established platforms suit many organisations with sensible configuration. A custom system or custom modules make sense when your processes are distinctive or platforms require heavy workarounds. We help you evaluate both objectively.

Yes. We plan data migrations carefully: mapping, cleaning, test migrations and validation, so the new system starts with accurate, trustworthy data.

Yes, adoption is essential. We provide role-based training, documentation and support during roll-out so people are confident using the new system.

It depends on scope and complexity. We usually start with a short discovery phase, then deliver in iterations so a first valuable release reaches users as early as possible, with further features added in later phases.

Ownership is agreed in the contract for each engagement. Our standard approach is that clients own the custom code and data created for them, with full access to the repository and documentation.

Yes. Most custom software connects to existing tools such as CRMs, ERPs, accounting packages, identity providers and databases through APIs or purpose-built integration services.

Multi-factor authentication, automatic updates, tested backups and least-privilege access address many common threats. An assessment then identifies the next priorities for your specific risks.

Yes. We review architecture, code and configuration against widely used guidance such as the OWASP Top 10 and provide prioritised, practical remediation advice.

Yes. We help write a concise incident response plan, define roles and communication paths, and run tabletop exercises so your team is ready.

We work with established tools such as Power BI and modern data stacks including cloud data warehouses and transformation tools. We recommend tools based on your existing systems, skills and budget.

Yes. We build pipelines that consolidate data from your applications into a central warehouse, with cleaning, modelling and quality checks so reports are consistent.

Yes. With well-modelled data and governed self-service dashboards, business users can explore data and answer questions without waiting for technical teams.

Typically automated builds, tests, code-quality and security checks, and deployments to staging and production, with approvals where required and the ability to roll back quickly.

Yes. We work with common platforms such as GitHub Actions and GitLab CI and with major cloud providers, improving what you have rather than replacing tools unnecessarily.

Automated dependency and vulnerability scanning, secret management, reviewed infrastructure changes and consistent environments reduce human error and catch issues earlier.

Typically an assessment of current processes and technology, a prioritised roadmap balancing quick wins with longer-term change, and support to deliver and measure initiatives.

We involve teams early, design changes around their real work, communicate clearly and provide training and support, measuring adoption as well as delivery.

Yes. Our engineering, data, cloud and AI teams can deliver the initiatives in the roadmap, or we can support your internal teams and other partners.

Yes. We work with established platforms when they fit, and build custom or headless solutions when you need unique pricing logic, complex catalogues or deep integrations.

Yes. We connect storefronts to inventory, ERP, shipping, accounting and marketing tools so orders, stock and customer data stay in sync across channels.

We focus on fast pages, a short and clear checkout, trusted payment options, transparent delivery information and accessible forms, then use analytics to identify and fix drop-off points.

An assistant answers questions and drafts content. An agent can also plan multi-step tasks and take actions through tools you control, such as creating tickets or updating records, with approval steps where needed.

We ground answers in your approved content with retrieval-augmented generation, require citations, evaluate quality with test sets, and add human review for consequential outputs.

We select providers and deployment options that meet your data requirements, enforce user permissions at retrieval time, minimise the data sent to models and log access for review.

Typically monitoring, patch management, backup and recovery, endpoint and network management, user support and regular reviews. Scope is agreed to match your environment and needs.

Support hours and response times are agreed in each service plan. Options for extended or out-of-hours cover can be arranged where your operations require it.

Yes. We can provide full managed services or co-managed support that adds capacity and specialist skills to your existing team.

Yes. We start with a code, security and infrastructure review, document what we find and propose a plan to stabilise, update and improve the application.

Plans typically cover security and dependency updates, monitoring, bug fixes, small improvements and agreed response times. Scope is tailored to the importance and complexity of each application.

Requests are logged, prioritised by severity and handled within the response times agreed in your plan, with regular reporting on work completed.

Cross-platform frameworks such as Flutter or React Native suit most business apps and let one codebase serve iOS and Android. Native development is preferable when you need maximum performance, platform-specific design or advanced device features.

Yes. We prepare store listings, handle builds and signing, and guide you through the review process, including privacy declarations required by each store.

Yes. Apps can store data locally and synchronise when a connection is available. We design synchronisation and conflict handling around how your users actually work.

Yes. We run discovery workshops, prototype the core workflow and help you test it with potential customers so you invest in a minimum viable product with evidence behind it.

We choose an isolation model — shared database with tenant scoping, separate schemas or separate databases — based on your security, compliance and cost requirements, and enforce tenant isolation consistently in code and tests.

Yes. We integrate established payment providers for plans, trials, upgrades, invoices and failed-payment handling, and build billing so pricing can evolve without major rework.

Yes. We design responsive web applications and native or cross-platform mobile apps, keeping experiences consistent across devices through shared design systems.

We test prototypes with real or representative users, observe where they struggle and refine the design before development, reducing costly changes later.

Yes. We can audit usability and accessibility, prioritise improvements and redesign key journeys or the full interface in phases.

We commonly use Laravel, Node.js, React, Next.js, Vue.js and Tailwind CSS, with MySQL or PostgreSQL databases. We choose the stack based on your requirements, existing systems and long-term maintainability.

Yes. We build responsive, mobile-first interfaces that adapt to phones, tablets and desktops, and can add progressive web app features such as installation and offline support where useful.

We optimise loading performance, use caching and efficient queries, and follow secure coding practices including input validation, output escaping, strong authentication, security headers and regular dependency updates.