Notes from the operating table.
Longer reads on running a service business: operations, finance, sales and the software behind them.
Custom software articles
Custom software
Desktop Apps in 2026: When Do They Still Make Sense?
Web apps dominate in 2026, but desktop software still wins for offline reliability, heavy local compute and hardware control.
· 8 min read
Custom software
Technical Debt, Explained for Non-Technical Founders
Technical debt in plain English: what it is, what it costs South African businesses, the warning signs, and how to pay it down without freezing…
· 9 min read
Custom software
How to Write a Brief for a Software Project
Learn how to write a software project brief that gets accurate quotes and prevents scope creep — with a section-by-section template for South African teams.
· 8 min read
Custom software
How to Migrate Off Legacy Software Without Downtime
A practical guide to swapping out legacy business software without downtime — migration strategies, data integrity, POPIA rules, and realistic SA costs.
· 8 min read
Custom software
What Is an API and Why Does Your Business Software Need One?
What is an API, in plain English?
· 8 min read
Custom software
How to Choose a Software Development Company in South Africa
Hiring a software development company in South Africa? Use this practical checklist: questions to ask, red flags to avoid, POPIA rules and indicative costs.
· 9 min read
Custom software
Native vs Cross-Platform Mobile Apps: Which Should You Build?
Native vs cross-platform mobile apps compared for South African businesses — cost, performance, and how to choose the right build for iOS and Android.
· 9 min read
Custom software
How Long Does It Take to Build Custom Software?
Custom software takes 3-12 months on average - an MVP in 2-4 months, complex builds 12+ months. See the phase-by-phase timeline and what drives it.
· 8 min read
Custom software
What Is an MVP? The Minimum Viable Product, Explained
An MVP (minimum viable product) is the simplest version of your product that tests real demand.
· 8 min read
Custom software
Build vs Buy Software: A Decision Framework for South African Businesses
Should you build custom software or buy off-the-shelf? A practical build-vs-buy decision framework for South African businesses — cost, TCO, risk and speed.
· 9 min read
Custom software
Web App vs Website vs Mobile App: What's the Difference?
Web app, website or mobile app — what's the difference, and which does your South African business actually need?
· 8 min read
Custom software
Custom Software vs Off-the-Shelf: How to Choose
Custom software vs off-the-shelf: a clear decision framework for South African businesses—compare cost, fit, speed, ownership and POPIA before you commit.
· 9 min read
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