There is a massive amount of custom software development underway across the world.

While the number of "Dot Bombs" has fallen off, they are on the rebound, all looking to be the next Ebay, Amazon, or Google. Those are BUILD examples.

My mainclient is in a line of business that is mature, but hasn't been effective. So they build custom applications to replace Gov't paper processes when they take over a Gov't operation. That is a BUILD example too.

An example of major programming isBEND, that is the integration of systems large and small. Look at all of those $2k/day SAP consultants.... The rise of .NET and Sun One and SOAP are all aimed at letting coders integrate systems.

Finally let's talk about BUILD. My main client has purchased their POS and back office Accounting and HR, but that IT crew (3 coders) have a say in what they buy so it can be BENT. Further, the CEO has made it clear that these solutions make sense now, but if the firm reaches a certain size, theBUILD option will be looked at again.

It depends if your business activity is new and small, thus needing the benefits of an industry standard application (BUYING basically adopting the best practices) or if it is large enough and old enough to set the standards (BUILD).

My $0.02 worth,

Don Gilman