Guides
Guides for SME and mid-sized company leaders
Direct, dated answers to the questions business leaders ask before starting an internal software or AI project.
Guide
AI and company data: the 12 questions a board should ask
Model training, data location, read-only access, MCP security, staff rules, API costs: the 12 questions to ask before you connect AI to your company data.
· 7 min
Guide
Custom software maintenance: leave it with the provider or bring it in-house?
Corrective, evolutive and technical maintenance of custom software: C-Esium’s monthly package, an in-house developer or another provider, and how to choose.
· 7 min
Guide
Custom software or an off-the-shelf ERP (Odoo, Sage…): how do you choose?
Custom software or an off-the-shelf ERP such as Odoo, Sage or Business Central? A 9-criteria decision grid, real ERP strengths, the hybrid option and Tech-O.
· 6 min
Guide
How much does custom business software cost in 2026?
Custom business software prices in 2026: C-Esium budgets from AED 40,000 and AED 200,000, cost drivers, milestone payments and a 5-year SaaS comparison.
· 7 min
Guide
Should you rent or own your business software? Code ownership, accounting, value
SaaS or owned software: written assignment of code rights, questions for your accountant, what you keep when you switch and what counts if you sell the company.
· 6 min
Guide
How do you replace the Excel files that run your company?
Replacing the Excel files that run your company with internal software: the signs it is time, a method that breaks nothing, and when Excel is still enough.
· 5 min
Guide
Where should you host your business software: AWS in the UAE or in Europe?
Hosting business software for a UAE company: AWS’s UAE Region by default, Europe on request, the US CLOUD Act, health data, and a hosting account in your name.
· 6 min
Your software, built for your company.
30 minutes to understand your organisation, your tools and what an internal software with AI would change for you. No commitment.