PIPELINEGuide
Custom software: using funding in Austria
For digitalization initiatives such as custom software, there are several funding programs in Austria. Which ones are applicable, which deadlines must be observed, and where the most common mistake lies.
Several funding schemes are available in Austria for digitalization projects, such as KMU.DIGITAL or aws digitalization funding. We'll check individually with you whether and to what extent one of these currently applies to your project. Current conditions: kmudigital.at, aws.at. In any case, the sequence is crucial: first the approved application, then the order for custom software.
01 — Funding
Subsidies in Austria
For digitalization projects, there are several funding programs in Austria, such as KMU.DIGITAL or the aws digitalization funding. Whether and to what extent one of these is currently relevant for your project, we'll review with you individually. Current conditions: kmudigital.at, aws.at.
Which program is relevant, how high the subsidy currently is, and whether the budget for the current funding period is still open changes regularly — plus there are regional funding programs that vary by federal state. Only the information from the funding agencies themselves is reliable, not a fixed percentage stated here.
The most common mistake is always the same: commission first, then want funding. That doesn't work. Allow several weeks of lead time for application and approval.
02 — Price
What it costs
- Price
- Individual based on effort
- Typical duration
- from 8 weeks to the first version
Typical starting point for a first usable version. A fixed price can only be quoted seriously after the initial meeting — send us a brief description of your project, and we'll send a proposal that fits the scope and effort.
03 — Process
How a funding application works
Check funding program
Which program fits the project and company size. This determines the subsidy amount and effort.
Obtain quote
A quote is usually required for the application — commissioning does not happen yet.
Submit application
Submission with project description, cost breakdown and schedule.
Wait for approval
Only after approval is the commission placed. If you commission earlier, you lose the funding.
Implement and settle accounts
After completion, final accounting with supporting documents follows.
04 — Questions
Frequently asked questions
What if we discover new requirements during development?
That's normal and planned for, because we work in small steps. A new requirement is incorporated into the next step, instead of stalling the entire project.
What happens if we no longer work together?
You have the code, documentation, and access. We deliberately use widespread technologies so that a switch is possible without someone having to rebuild everything.
How many users can a system like this handle?
That depends on the architecture, which we plan according to your expected growth — from a few users in your own business to several hundred across multiple locations.
When does custom software pay off compared to standard software?
When your process is a genuine competitive advantage, when standard software only fits seventy percent and the rest ends up as manual work, or when license costs per user exceed the development cost over a few years. If it's only about convenience, standard software is cheaper.
How do we avoid the project going off the rails?
Small steps with usable results, fixed budgets per step, and the option to exit after each step. Large fixed-price projects over twelve months are the most reliable path to disappointment — for both sides.
Does this run on our own servers or in the cloud?
Both are possible. For most businesses, a cloud solution is lower-maintenance; where data must not leave the premises, we set it up on your own infrastructure.
Who owns the source code?
You do, completely, upon payment. That's in the contract. You can take it to any other developer — that's the point.
05 — Next
Related pages
- Custom software — Overview
- Custom software — Costs
- Custom software — Process
- Custom software — Checklist
- Custom software — Practical examples
- Custom software — Do it yourself
- Custom software — Prerequisites
- Custom software — Provider comparison
- Process automation
- CRM integration
- API Interfaces
- All guides
Custom software by region
Next step
Initial assessment, no obligation.
Briefly describe what you need. You'll get an honest answer about what's realistic and what it will roughly cost.