By Mo Hussein
1 min read
Your data should always be yours
Whatever arrangement you choose, you should be able to get a full export of your data whenever you ask. If a supplier can't promise that, think hard before signing.
What changes between the two options below is who runs the software day to day.
Option one: the developer hosts and looks after it
The developer keeps the software on their hosting, applies security updates, keeps an eye on backups and fixes problems, usually for a monthly fee.
This suits businesses without a technical person in house. You get software that keeps working without anyone thinking about servers, and one place to call when something needs changing.
Option two: a full handover
The code, hosting and accounts move into your name, with documentation explaining how it all fits together. You pay the hosting and any subscriptions directly, and any capable developer can pick it up from there.
This suits businesses that have their own developer, or plan to, or that simply don't want to depend on a supplier.
How to choose
If you've got no technical help today, I'd start with managed hosting, and make sure the contract lets you move to a full handover later. You get the convenience now without being locked in.
We set out both options in every proposal, and you can switch from the first to the second whenever you like. It's an easy thing to talk through on a discovery call.
