This can be the most dangerous of all warning signs in software consulting. Picture the following very real world scenario:
You engage with a firm because of their “unique software platform” which gives them an “edge” over the competition, because they’ve “already built most of the application into the platform.” You find that their proposal does, in fact, include 30-40% fewer hours during the implementation phase. Your project is implemented, but you find that you are encouraged away from certain enhancement requests for reasons that are not really business drivers, or with technical jargon that is over your head as a client. You might also find that deadlines slip, or deliverables are not exactly what you asked for, especially when a feature you requested was “already part of the platform.” One day, you decide to seek other options, and you present this to your current vendor. This is when you find out that the Vendor actually owns the platform. And you do not have rights to use it if you are not their customer, so they’re happy to give you your source code, but it won’t be much good without “the platform.” Even if you do negotiate for a copy of the platform, you are likely to be restricted to developing new features on it or enhancing it in any way, as it is not licensed to you to use in any way you see fit.
This is similar to if you were building a house and your builder of choice were to say “Hey, I’ve got some land in a great location and it’s already got a foundation poured and a frame up – all we need to do is build out your custom features!” Well, as you try to fit your 1-story 4-bedroom house onto the builder’s pre-poured slab, you don’t like the way it’s shaping up, and decide to bring in a different builder only to find out that you don’t own the foundation, so if you’re going to build your house with someone else, you better find a new location.
Many firms use this “proprietary platform” as the proverbial sharp end of the stick for customer retention. Do not let your company be caught by this seemingly advantageous hook. Good firms will help you buy components where they can be bought and customized for your needs instead of offering their own in house “secret sauce”. Remember that good software consulting firms offer unbiased opinions, differentiating by creating loyalty, not by offering gimmick proprietary platforms as software leashes.
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