Vertical software vs. custom software: the difference is the starting point.
Both routes deliver an own system. One starts from an empty repository. The other from a vertical body already built for your sector. This is the real impact on time, cost and risk.
Seven criteria you can actually verify before deciding
| Criterion | Custom software | SVP |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | Empty repository. Each project re-implements foundations. | Vertical body already built for your sector. |
| Typical implementation time | 6 to 10 months according to market reference (Vertebra Gestión). | 6 to 12 weeks from diagnosis to go-live. |
| Cost range (market reference) | €15k to €100k+ for a custom ERP. | Fits in the complex project and enterprise platform range. |
| Technical risk | The same base problems get discovered in every new project. | Foundations come proven in production. Risk drops to the specific ground. |
| Operational fit | Maximum, because everything is decided from zero. | High and verifiable, because the vertical body comes from the sector and is adapted with AVA. |
| Future scalability | Depends on how the foundations were written and how much tech debt accumulates. | The common core improves for the whole installed base. You benefit from those improvements. |
| Ownership | Usually yes, as long as it is agreed with the provider. | Dedicated instance, your data, perpetual license of the core if agreed, no-lock-in exit. |
Cost and time ranges come from the Spanish market map published at /how-much-does-custom-software-cost. Each number carries its public linkable source.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between vertical software and custom software?
Custom software starts from an empty repository. Vertical software starts from a vertical body already built for the sector. Both deliver an own system; the difference is the starting point and the total time.
Which one costs more?
Both fall in the same market range (€25k to €100k+ for enterprise projects, references at /how-much-does-custom-software-cost). The difference is that SVP delivers more system for the same money because it does not rebuild foundations.
Which has higher technical risk?
From-scratch custom keeps discovering the same base problems in every project. In SVP foundations come proven in production; risk drops to the client's specific ground.
When to pick vertical vs classic custom?
SVP fits when the problem enters an already-operating vertical body. From-scratch custom fits when the sector is entirely new with no prior body. In both cases the criterion is closed after the free 30-minute diagnostic.
Can I migrate from an existing custom software to a vertical one?
Yes, if data is exportable and business rules are documented. Migration is planned in the design phase (AVA phase 2), with a closed budget before any code is touched.
Which one fits you? Depends on the starting point and the sector.
If your problem fits an already-operating vertical body, SVP wins on time and cost. If your sector is entirely new, we still start from proven patterns and design the body, so the total still beats starting from an empty repository. Either way: the free diagnostic answers that question in 30 minutes.