What is the difference between custom software and SaaS?

SaaS (Software as a Service) is pre-built software you rent monthly - like Salesforce, QuickBooks, or Slack.

It's ready to use immediately but offers limited customization. Custom software is built specifically for your business needs - you own it, control it, and can modify it freely. SaaS is cheaper initially and faster to deploy but locks you into someone else's roadmap and pricing. Custom software costs more upfront but eliminates subscription fees, fits your exact workflow, and becomes a business asset. Choose SaaS when an existing product meets 80%+ of your needs. Choose custom when no product fits, or when the software is core to your competitive advantage.