An enterprise software development company provides software solutions for brands, businesses, and organizations instead of an individual consumer.  

What distinguishes enterprise software development from regular software development companies is that it requires expertise to make the solution scalable, customizable, interoperable, highly secure, and future-proof. The enterprise solution should also be accessible by multiple users, compliant with laws and regulations, and provide administration control. 

Examples of enterprise software include: 

• Customer relationship management (CRM) systems store authorized customer data, including birthdays, purchase history, and past communications with the brand to create personalized customer experiences. 
• Accounting and automatic billing systems help automate manual and tedious accounting and financing processes, like sending recurring billings to customers. 
• Procurement management helps businesses track, analyze, and optimize organizational spending. 
• Online payment processing, mainly used by eCommerce businesses, facilitates secure online monetary transactions. 
• Human resource management systems help organizations on multiple levels, from computing payroll and keeping employee data to managing recruitment. 
• Business Intelligence comprise tools that analyze large amounts of data in real-time and present it in easy-to-understand formats. 

According to Statista, the enterprise software industry has an annual growth rate of 6.55% and is projected to reach a market volume of $376.4 billion by 2028. Among enterprise software solutions, CRM systems comprise the largest revenue share, with over 20% of the enterprise software market. In addition, the biggest name is Salesforce, dominating 23.8% of the CRM market.  

Enterprise software development companies offer IT services and custom software solutions for brands.  

Here are the most common enterprise software services: 

• Digital transformation: The process of incorporating technology into significant areas of a business, significantly changing how it operates. 
• Internet of Things (IoT) integration: A process that connects physical and digital machines via sensors to other devices and networks. For example, connecting manufacturing machines to enterprise software can be done via IoT. 
• Software integration: A step in the development processes where developers ensure your new enterprise software integrates with your current technology and systems, such as your communication channels and project management tools. 
• Legacy software modernization: The process of upgrading outdated enterprise systems using the latest technology to ensure better performance, user experience, scalability, and security. 
• Sales and distribution automation: A solution that streamlines manual sales processes through automated software solutions and technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and manual learning (ML). 
• Business workflow process: A process that analyzes and streamlines a business’s workflow, so developers can create custom solutions that integrate with its process. 
• Custom web and mobile app development: Bespoke applications developed to meet specific business needs. 
• Enterprise data management: A set of processes that allow businesses to store, secure, retrieve, and accurately analyze their overall data. 
• Enterprise resource planning solutions: Integrated software systems that manage core business functions, resources, and operations in real time. 
• DevSecOps: A methodology combining development, security, and operations practices to deliver software rapidly and securely throughout the development lifecycle. 

One example of implementing IoT is Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), a Fortune 500 real estate company, that wanted a web and mobile app for reporting technical anomalies and malfunctions within its facilities and machines. TechAhead used IoT and AI technologies to provide real-time data on performance history and equipment issues.  

The enterprise software development company also developed predictive maintenance features, data security mechanisms that restricted the access of third-party technicians, and data visualization for easier-to-digest information. 

As a result, JLL reported: 

• 30% less equipment downtime 
• 20% reduction in energy consumption 
• 60% reduction in unplanned maintenance events 
• 30% increase in equipment lifespan 
• $10 million saved in maintenance and operational expenses 

A technology or tool is considered enterprise software or enterprise application software if it enhances a business’s organizational efficiency, employee productivity, product development, and customer service. It also has the following characteristics: 

• Scalable: Enterprise software should meet both current and prospective business needs stemming from future growth.   
• Customizable and adaptable: Each business is unique, so enterprise software must allow businesses to modify their features and functionalities for their specific needs. For instance, the project management software ClickUp lets businesses create unique workflows.  
• Interoperable: Enterprise software should be able to integrate with other systems and apps, as well as potentially allow users to sign in to multiple platforms with a single account. For example, Microsoft 365 for Business allows users to sign in to SharePoint, Teams, Word, and other apps using a registered organizational email.  
• Administration control: While everyone within the organization should be able to use the enterprise software, it should also have a specialized administration control feature. This allows the management team to regulate access to the software features and data.  
• Highly secure: Among the necessary security requirements for enterprise solutions are the Software Assurance Maturity Model (SAMM), dynamic application security testing (DAST), and static application security testing (SAST).   
• Legal compliance: Examples include the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  
• Long-term use: Since enterprise software aims to ensure business continuity, it must be supported and remain relevant for years.  

The difference between enterprise software development and regular software development is the objective. 

The goal of enterprise software development is to increase the efficiency of a business through automating workflows, collecting and analyzing data, and customizing solutions. Meanwhile, regular software development aims to improve the lives of individuals. 

Here is a more detailed comparison of the differences between enterprise software development and regular software development.

An enterprise software development company charges $500,000 to over $100 million for a project and $385 to $850 per hour on average. However, the top 50 enterprise software development companies featured on DesignRush charge an average of $53 per hour.  

In addition, 5.5% of the enterprise software development services on DesignRush accept a minimum project rate of under $1,000, and 7.1% accept a minimum of $50,000 and up.  

Aside from project scope and an agency’s level of expertise, the rates of an enterprise software firm can vary due to the following factors:  

• Integration and implementation: This includes installing software, prototyping, configuring, and incorporating it into different internal and external platforms, such as payment methods.  
• Supported platforms: The more platforms and operating systems the enterprise software supports, the higher the price.  
• Maintenance: The maintenance of enterprise software solutions refers to the post-launch services you will get, which include updating and support.  
• Training: The training includes teaching employees how to use the product. 
• Location: Enterprise software development services located in countries with lower cost of living charge less than those based in first-world countries. 

You should look to hire an enterprise custom software development company because they have specialized talent and expertise, offer tailor-made services, and ensure legal and security compliance. 

1. Leverage expertise and specialized tools 

Building enterprise software needs specialized expertise that not all developers possess. An enterprise software developer needs in-depth understanding of business processes, communication and management methods, and laws and regulations.  

In addition, specific enterprise software development tools, like Oracle, Microsoft Azure, and IBM Cloud, aren’t as widely utilized outside of enterprise solutions, and that knowledge is highly coveted.  

Lastly, enterprise software developers are usually business-minded, so they understand how to build solutions that meet the overall goals and impact the bottom line — not only solving the immediate pain points. 

2. Reduce errors 

Because enterprise software development companies help automate manual tasks and workflows, employees are less likely to make mistakes. Moreover, employees can quickly access updated information relevant to their tasks, reducing knowledge-based errors. This, in return, improves your business’s security and saves you money.  

In fact, the World Economic Forum reports that 95% of cybersecurity issues are due to human error.    

3. Streamline processes 

Enterprise software development companies leverage business data and conduct extensive interviews with key stakeholders to identify workflow inefficiencies and pain points.  

Then, they may design custom enterprise solutions that automate repetitive tasks, integrate disparate systems, and optimize workflow processes. These solutions may include enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, customer relationship management (CRM) software, or workflow management platforms tailored to the organization's needs. 

Additionally, a custom enterprise development company centralizes your data, allowing you to monitor operations and activities. 

One example is when a UK-based B2B telecommunications provider approached Iflexion to upgrade its billing system. The enterprise software development firm replaced the legacy billing and rating system (BRS) with a new one.  

The new BRS generated invoices provided flexible invoice distribution schedules and created branded invoices and email templates. It also integrated with the client’s systems and automated many manual tasks.   

Now, the client can process over 10 million records a day and reduce invoice run time by 80%. It also made the business process more predictable and transparent, allowing for better visibility over business accounts. 

4. Secure data 

According to IBM, the global average data breach cost is $4.45 million. The top enterprise software companies understand the gravity of cyberthreats and employ stringent methods, as well as the latest technology, to ensure that all your data is safe against security breaches.  

Add to that the necessary training, certificates, and experience to ensure that all technology they produce follows the best security practices and complies with laws and regulations, and you can see how important it is for businesses to utilize enterprise software development.  

Common standards, frameworks, and agreements utilized by enterprise software development companies include secure software development lifecycle (SSDLC) testing, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), end-user license agreement (EULA), and ISO 27001. 

For example, an Azerbaijani commercial bank worked with ScienceSoft to build a robust SIEM solution compliant with PCI DSS. The enterprise software development company connected firewalls, IPS/IDS systems, EPS, central authentication system, and remote access control software, among many others. It also tailored the client’s IBM Security Qadar SIEM solution according to its unique needs and requirements.  

As a result, the solution met all the PCI DSS requirements and provided 24/7 APT protection and insider threat detection. 

5. Ensure legal compliance 

In 2023, Wells Fargo and 10 more banks were fined for using consumer-grade apps Signal, Meta, WhatsApp, and Apple to discuss business matters. This was in violation of the US federal security laws for record-keeping, which requires businesses to keep a record and log of all business-related interactions. 

Enterprise software development companies help you avoid these types of violations, as part of their quality assurance process is to perform legal checks. Plus, they ensure that their enterprise solutions include encryption, access controls, and audit trails so that communications adhere to regulatory requirements and industry standards. 

For instance, ScienceSoft is an enterprise software development company specializing in the healthcare industry and is compliant with: 

• The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) 
• General Data Protection Regulation is a European Union (GDPR) 
• National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) 
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
• Medical Device Reporting (MDR) 
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 
• Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) 
• Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) 

6. Make decisions based on data 

One of the most significant features of enterprise software is collecting and analyzing “big data.” Through this, you can understand the big picture with just a glance. You can also customize reports based on your needs, investigate the smallest detail, and glean actionable insights that optimize business processes.  

Additionally, enterprise systems help businesses make plans and track goals. So, owners can understand client satisfaction, monitor expenses, and receive real-time notifications when potential issues appear. 

A global retail company partnered with ITRex to improve its data analytics. The enterprise software development service developed a custom web portal with a 360-degree view of all data sources in various formats and a self-service business intelligence platform.   

As a result, three million internal users can access the big-picture view of the data, and the solution is used over 13 million times. The client received actionable insights and discovered hidden connections for seemingly unrelated data. 

You can choose the best enterprise software development company by following these steps:  

1. Identify your needs and goals: Review your tech stack to identify your enterprise software needs, timeline, and budget.  
2. Choose between offshore, nearshore, or onshore: Think beyond the price point and choose the one that best meets your security regulations and business legislations. 
3. Decide between off-the-shelf or custom enterprise software development: Weigh the pros and cons of each and decide what best fits your long-term goals. 
4. Do your research: Look for case studies, client reviews, tech stack, certificates, recognitions, and awards. 
5. Look for similarities: Find an enterprise software development firm with experience with your industry, tech stack, and project scope.  
6. Send a request for proposal: Send a request for proposal (RFP) and project scope to your shortlisted enterprise software agencies to get a more accurate price estimate. 
7. Set an interview: Pay attention to the work culture, commutation strategy, values, and methodology of your prospective enterprise software development agency.  

Contact us for tailored recommendations on enterprise development companies for your project. Our team will help you find your perfect solution. You can browse our Marketplace for more details. 

You should ask an enterprise software development company the following questions before hiring it: 

Its Relevant Background 

1. What is your experience in developing enterprise software in my industry and with my requirements?  
2. What are your certifications, awards, and recognitions?  
3. How familiar are you with the laws and regulations of my industry and country?  
4. Do you work with contractors, freelancers, or in-house teams? Where are they located? 

Company Services and Processes 

1. What enterprise software technologies and methodologies do you use and why?  
2. What are your security protocols? How do you ensure that my enterprise software and data is safe from cyber threats and security breaches?  
3. How do you keep your staff updated with the latest trends and enterprise technologies?  
4. What is your quality assurance process? 
5. What are your disaster recovery and business continuity procedures and protocols? 

The Project 

1. What is my level of involvement throughout the project?   
2. How can I keep track of my project, and how will we regularly communicate?  
3. What integrations do you provide for my enterprise software?  
4. Are you open to exploring other technologies that may be better suited to my project requirements?  
5. Who will have access to my data? What safeguards to you have in place to prevent my data and my customer’s data from moving and being used by a different country and jurisdiction? 
6. Can you adjust your resources, timelines, and budgets if the project scope changes?   
7. Do you offer continuous collaboration, staff augmentation, and team training even after the project?  
8. Will I own Intellectual Property Rights and source code? Will you provide the necessary licenses for these? 
9. How will you future-proof my enterprise software? 

The top 5 enterprise software development companies in the US are: 

• ELEKS 
  • 4.9 stars on DesignRush (27 reviews) 
  • Top clients: American Medical Centers, Commonwealth Financial Network, States of Jersey, Aramex 
• *instinctools 
  • 4.9 stars on DesignRush (18 reviews) 
  • 5.0 stars on Google (10 reviews) 
  • Top clients: Mercedes-Benz, Swiss Red Cross, Helvar, Fujitsu 
• TechAhead 
  • 4.3 stars on DesignRush (1 review) 
  • 4.1 stars on Google (9 reviews) 
  • Top clients: American Express, AXA, Audi, Lafarge 
• ScienceSoft 
  • 4.8 stars on DesignRush (8 reviews) 
  • 4.6 stars on Google (61 reviews) 
  • Top clients: IBM, Baxter International, NASA JPL, Nestle 
• Intellectsoft 
  • 4.8 stars on DesignRush (7 reviews) 
  • 4.3 stars on Google (3 reviews) 
  • Top clients: Mitsubishi Power, Intel, Ernst & Young, Eurostar 

Scroll up and learn about additional leading enterprise software development companies. All of them have been chosen based on successful projects, industry reputation, customer reviews, and team expertise. If you want to further personalize your search, you can sort companies by location, budget size, hourly rates, and reviews.