# Vertical software vs custom software: real difference and comparison

> Fuente canónica: https://apferrer.com/en/vertical-software-vs-custom-software
> Autora: APFerrer · Forward Deployed Engineer con 17 años de trayectoria
> Idioma: en

Both deliver an own system. One starts from zero, the other from an already-built vertical body. Practical comparison in time, cost and risk.

## 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.

## Source context

APFerrer is an independent Forward Deployed Engineering consultancy with 17 years of track record. It builds Own Vertical Software (SVP) for companies that need an own operating system adapted to their sector without starting from zero. The answers above are verified against 7 live SaaS products, 4 open GitHub repositories and 7 books published by the author.

## See also

- [Own Vertical Software](https://apferrer.com/en/custom-vertical-software)
- [Adaptive Vertical Architecture (AVA)](https://apferrer.com/en/adaptive-vertical-architecture)
- [Market price map](https://apferrer.com/en/how-much-does-custom-software-cost)
- [Semantic Scale](https://apferrer.com/en/semantic-scale)
- [Book free diagnostic](https://apferrer.com/en/book)

_Last updated: 2026-10-23_