Web Application Development

A website is usually used to simply present information whereas a web application or platform is software or tools that run in a browser. Typically they are used to help people work more efficiently or access new services. Examples include work management platforms, staff portals, booking systems, dashboard or a customer platforms.

They typically include complex business logic and data, have user accounts, permissions and usually connects to your other systems.

At Sonin we build great web applications used every day by staff or customers, but if you’re looking for a marketing site we also have great partners who we can recommend to you.

Off-the-shelf software is great if a product fits how you already work. You’ll usually get started faster and pay less upfront. However you will also be limited to what the software offers with no options for future customisation outside of the providers plans.

Bespoke software makes sense when what you’re doing matters. When your process is what sets you apart, when you have a complex business, when your team are becoming inefficient and you’re paying for several tools that do half a job, or when licence costs grow with every user you add.

We recommend starting with a short discovery phase to answer if bespoke is the right route – and sometimes the answer is “don’t build”!

Like all bespoke software costs vary based on the scale and complexity of what you’re looking to do.

Often this will depend on factors like how many systems it needs to connect to, and how complex the business rules are.

As part of the product discovery process we look to validate what you really need and what will get used, after all the most expensive feature is the one that never gets used.

We then produce a full product roadmap charting your way through from the initial MVP that delivers value early, before building on from there, rather than funding everything at once.

The timeline for building web platforms comes down to a host of factors, from stakeholder availability to decision making time. Most platforms will connect through to other systems which can affect time, alongside other factors like complexity and features.

While a basic platform could be developed within months, large platforms might extend over a longer period.

We always recommend starting with product discovery and prototyping before building an MVP to get your app into your users hands as soon as possible. Throughout, we ensure transparency and timely updates.

The choice of technologies is all about what is right for your platform. If you have a defined language you prefer to use then that’s no problem. Otherwise it comes down to the right tool for the right job.

Most of our web platforms are hosted on AWS or Microsoft Azure, on your own accounts so that your data stays as your data.

We build API-first to make sure you have ultimate flexibility for the future, whether you’re going web, mobile or AI.

Yes, a single source of truth is vital for both user experience and business performance. A well integrated platform is often the most valuable part of the work.

We regularly connect new platforms to CRMs, ERPs, finance systems and data warehouses.

Whether you are looking to integrate with an in house system, something off the shelf or even a legacy platform we have years of experience to ensure you get the experience and benefits desired.

Typically we host on AWS or Azure, with environments, backups and monitoring set up from day one by default.

We recommend that we set up hosting on your own account, but we will configure and set everything up for you.

Security is core to how we build at every step. From role-based access, encryption, full code review as well as static and AI analysis. We’ve delivered secure platforms for regulated organisations in financial services, healthcare and government estates.

You do. The source code and IP belong to you, and we hand over the repositories and documentation upon payment. You’re never locked in to working with us – we believe that you should continue to work with us because you love the experience, not because you are locked in to doing so!

Yes absolutely. We recommend starting with an audit of the code, architecture, security and hosting, before recommending whether to improve what you have, rebuild parts of it in stages, or replace it.

We usually suggest rebuilding in stages where possible to keep the business running without a risky big-bang switchover.

We’re dedicated to the enduring success of your product and the launch is the start. We monitor, fix and improve the platform under a Managed Services agreement, using real usage data to guide what to build next.

We can also help with driving usage, through  roll-out and training by our Change & Adoption services, because a platform only pays off if people actually use it.