Guides for software and app decisions
Guides from Giacomo Balli for owners and founders: whether a software quote is fair, who should build it, build vs buy, AI, and rescuing an over-budget build.
Straight answers for owners and non-technical founders holding a software quote, a vendor pitch or a late project. Each guide helps you decide before you commit real money.
Is a software quote fair?Audit a development quote for line items, ownership, and milestones before you sign.
Agency or freelancer?Who should build your app, judged on scope, cost, oversight, and risk.
Build custom or buy a platform?When custom software is worth it, and when a proven platform wins on cost.
Fractional CTO or advisor?Which role a non-technical founder actually needs, and when.
Where should AI fit?Separate AI that earns its cost from AI theater before you build it.
Over budget and late?Triage a failing build: stabilize, diagnose, then rescue or rebuild.
Where does AI fit in your business?Write down how your best people decide before you buy AI, in a Map of Work your company owns.
Do local AI models protect your know-how?Local models protect documents. What protects your knowledge and how your company does its best work.
Facing one of these decisions right now?
Many owners start with a Second Opinion on that one decision, as part of the retainer: what I would do if it were my money, in writing, usually in two weeks.
See the Second Opinion
Many owners start with a Second Opinion on that one decision, as part of the retainer: what I would do if it were my money, in writing, usually in two weeks.
See the Second Opinion