[ Service · Managed platforms ]
Custom software, delivered and operated as a managed platform
Traditional custom development asks for a large upfront investment and leaves operation to the client. Under Fourtell's managed model, development risk is shared and the platform is provided for a monthly fee over a minimum term, with hosting, monitoring, maintenance, support and an agreed evolution allowance included as specified in the contract.
Problems this typically addresses
High upfront cost and risk
Large capital commitments before any value is proven make projects hard to approve.
02Software that decays after launch
Without an owner for operation and evolution, custom tools become outdated and insecure.
03Unclear total cost of ownership
Hosting, support and changes are priced separately and unpredictably.
What the managed model should provide
- Predictable monthly cost over an agreed term
- Named responsibility for operation, security updates and backups
- A defined evolution allowance, with larger changes scoped separately
- Ownership, portability and any IP transfer written into the contract
How we work
1 · Diagnostic
Map the current process, data sources, owners and constraints around the platform's operating needs, and agree a measurable baseline before anything is built.
2 · Scope and architecture
Define the functional scope, integrations, roles, security requirements and acceptance criteria in a written proposal.
3 · Build and pilot
Deliver in short iterations with a pilot group, human review where decisions matter, and written acceptance against the agreed essentials.
4 · Operate and evolve
Run, monitor, maintain and evolve the platform under the agreed service conditions, and compare measured results with the baseline.
Frequently asked questions
Do we own the software?
It depends on the contract. Operational data belongs to the client. Ownership or transfer of project-specific code and documentation is agreed case by case and may depend on completing the contractual term and payments; generic components and third-party licences keep their own terms.
What is included in the monthly fee?
Typically amortised initial development, hosting, monitoring, corrective maintenance and an evolution allowance — the exact list, limits and service levels are in each proposal. Nothing is unlimited by default.
Can we migrate later?
Proposals can include portability measures such as documented deployment, data exports and stable identifiers, so a future migration is possible under agreed terms.
Every engagement starts with a diagnostic conversation. Scope, fees and contract terms are agreed in writing per project.