--- title: "Buyer Guides & Planning Resources | Cyan Orbit" description: "Guides organised by buying stage: understand your options, compare approaches and costs, then choose and contract a development partner with confidence." url: https://cyanorbit.com/resources --- 1. [Home](https://cyanorbit.com/) 2. Resources Resources # Guides for every stage of buying software The same library as our blog, arranged by where you are in the process rather than by topic. [Get a project estimate](https://cyanorbit.com/get-a-quote) NDA on request · Free, no-obligation estimate · Reply within one business day Stage 1 ## Understand your options For teams deciding whether custom software is the right answer at all. - [7 min readCustom Development vs No-Code ToolsCustom development vs no-code tools compared on speed, cost at scale, and where each one actually holds up as your workflow gets more complex.](https://cyanorbit.com/blog/custom-development-vs-no-code) - [8 min readCustom Software or Off-the-Shelf Software for Your BusinessA practical comparison of custom software vs off-the-shelf platforms, covering cost, control, integration, and when each approach actually fits.](https://cyanorbit.com/blog/custom-software-vs-off-the-shelf) - [7 min readERP vs CRM and Which One Your Business Needs FirstERP vs CRM compared: what each system actually manages, where they overlap, and how to decide which one your business needs to implement first.](https://cyanorbit.com/blog/erp-vs-crm) - [7 min readHow to Build a CRM Your Sales Team Will Actually UseHow to build a CRM that models your real sales process: data model, core features, permissions, integrations, and rollout, before you write a line of code.](https://cyanorbit.com/blog/how-to-build-a-crm) - [8 min readHow to Build a Marketplace Platform From Zero to LaunchHow to build a marketplace platform: solving liquidity first, then trust and safety, payments and escrow, search, and in-platform messaging.](https://cyanorbit.com/blog/how-to-build-a-marketplace) - [7 min readHow to Build a SaaS Product Ready for Real CustomersHow to build a SaaS product beyond the MVP: multi-tenancy, billing architecture, onboarding, admin tooling and go-to-market readiness explained.](https://cyanorbit.com/blog/how-to-build-a-saas-product) - [10 min readHow to Build an AI Application That Holds Up in ProductionHow to build an AI application: pick the right approach, prepare data, test model output, add guardrails, control cost and privacy, and ship narrow.](https://cyanorbit.com/blog/how-to-build-an-ai-application) - [7 min readHow to Build an ERP System That Fits Your OperationHow to build an ERP system around your real operation: core modules, data model, integrations, permissions and rollout, before any code gets written.](https://cyanorbit.com/blog/how-to-build-an-erp) - [8 min readHow to Build an MVP Without Wasting Budget on the Wrong FeaturesA practical guide to how to build an MVP: scoping the smallest viable version, validating demand, choosing an engagement model, and avoiding common mistakes.](https://cyanorbit.com/blog/how-to-build-an-mvp) - [7 min readA Practical Guide to Software Development Project PlanningSoftware development project planning determines whether a build stays on schedule. This guide covers scope, methodology, risk and the documents that matter.](https://cyanorbit.com/blog/software-development-project-planning) Stage 2 ## Compare approaches, costs and timelines For teams that know what they need and are working out budget, stack and schedule. - [6 min readHow Much Does Custom CRM Development Cost?Custom CRM development cost typically ranges from $40,000 for a focused pipeline tool to $250,000+ for a multi-team platform with automation and reporting.](https://cyanorbit.com/blog/crm-development-cost) - [7 min readCustom CRM Development vs SalesforceCustom CRM vs Salesforce compared honestly on setup speed, per-seat cost at scale, customization ceiling and which one actually fits your sales process.](https://cyanorbit.com/blog/custom-crm-vs-salesforce) - [7 min readCustom ERP Development vs OdooCustom ERP vs Odoo compared honestly on setup speed, module coverage, licensing cost at scale and which one fits a genuinely unique production process.](https://cyanorbit.com/blog/custom-erp-vs-odoo) - [8 min readHow Much Does Custom Software Development Cost?Custom software development cost ranges from $15,000 for a simple internal tool to $500,000 or more for enterprise platforms. Here is what drives the number.](https://cyanorbit.com/blog/custom-software-development-cost) - [6 min readHow Much Does Custom ERP Development Cost?Custom ERP development cost usually runs from $80,000 for a single-module system to $500,000 or more for a multi-site platform. Here is what drives it.](https://cyanorbit.com/blog/erp-development-cost) - [7 min readFlutter or React Native for Your Next AppFlutter vs React Native compared on performance, native API access, team skills, and cost, so you can pick the right cross-platform framework.](https://cyanorbit.com/blog/flutter-vs-react-native) - [7 min readHow Much Does Mobile App Development Cost?Mobile app development cost typically runs from $25,000 for a simple utility app to $300,000+ for a two-platform app with offline sync and payments.](https://cyanorbit.com/blog/mobile-app-development-cost) - [7 min readHow Much Does MVP Development Cost?MVP development cost typically runs $15,000 to $60,000 for a single-workflow product, and $60,000-$150,000+ once billing or integrations are involved.](https://cyanorbit.com/blog/mvp-development-cost) - [7 min readReact or Next.js for Your Web ProjectReact vs Next.js compared on rendering, routing, SEO, and hosting, with clear guidance on when a plain React SPA fits better than a Next.js build.](https://cyanorbit.com/blog/react-vs-nextjs) - [7 min readHow Much Does SaaS Development Cost?SaaS development cost typically ranges from $30,000 for a narrow single-tenant MVP to $250,000+ for a multi-tenant platform with billing and admin tooling.](https://cyanorbit.com/blog/saas-development-cost) - [6 min readHow Long Does It Take to Build a SaaS Product?How long does it take to build a SaaS product? A focused MVP typically takes 3-5 months; a full multi-tenant platform runs 6-10 months. Here is the breakdown.](https://cyanorbit.com/blog/saas-development-timeline) Stage 3 ## Choose and contract a partner For teams shortlisting vendors and negotiating terms. - [7 min readChoosing Between Fixed Price and Time and MaterialsFixed price vs time and materials changes who carries scope risk, how change requests work, and what a software project actually costs. Here is how to choose.](https://cyanorbit.com/blog/fixed-price-vs-time-and-materials) - [7 min readHow to Choose a Software Development Company That Won't Waste Your BudgetHow to choose a software development company: a scoring rubric, contract clauses to insist on, red flags, and interview questions that reveal real skill.](https://cyanorbit.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-software-development-company) - [7 min readHow to Outsource Software Development Without Losing ControlHow to outsource software development: engagement models, security practices, contract terms, and the questions that keep control of the project on your side.](https://cyanorbit.com/blog/how-to-outsource-software-development) ## Tell us what you need built Share a few details about your project. A senior engineer reviews every request and replies with next steps, questions, and a rough budget range. [Get a project estimate](https://cyanorbit.com/get-a-quote) [Talk to a developer](https://cyanorbit.com/contact)