Speed and repeatability
A platform starts with established building, publishing and customer-access workflows. Custom development can reproduce these capabilities but requires more design, engineering and testing time.
Control and differentiation
Custom development supports unique interaction and data requirements. A platform works within a defined system, with differentiation coming from brand, content and available layout controls.
Ongoing maintenance
Custom systems require ownership of infrastructure, security and application updates. Platform delivery consolidates maintenance but creates dependency on the platform’s roadmap and policies.
A practical decision rule
Use custom development when the website is genuinely unique or application-like. Use a managed platform when consistent business websites and customer operations matter more than low-level technical control.